Scrutiny of election nomination papers concludes

The three-day-long scrutiny of nomination papers for over 1,500 election candidates across seven districts of Karachi for 22 seats of the National Assembly and 47 seats of the Sindh Assembly, besides reserved seats, concluded on Wednesday.

The nomination papers of prominent political figures, including MQM Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mustafa Kamal, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, and Awab Alvi, son of President Dr Arif Alvi, were scrutinised.

Siddiqui's papers for NA-248, 249, and 250 Central District of Karachi were deemed valid after thorough examination. Siddiqui, who submitted nomination papers for the three National Assembly seats, had his lawyers present during the scrutiny process.

Similarly, the nomination papers of Mustafa Kamal from NA-242 Keamari and Muaz Moqaddam from PS-129 were confirmed. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman's nomination for NA-246 Central District was also approved.

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Awab Alvi, who submitted nomination papers for NA-241 South District, also received the seal of approval. Former PTI MNA Alamgir Khan's papers from NA-236 East District were also scrutinised, with his legal team requesting timely notification of any objections. Sources indicate that additional documents have been requested from several candidates.

Meanwhile, at the Election Commission of Pakistan, the verification of documents for reserved seats in the Sindh and National Assembly continued on Wednesday.

According to the schedule, the document verification phase will continue until December 30. Appeals against the decisions of returning officers can be lodged until January 3, 2024, with decisions to be made by January 10. The revised list of candidates is set for release on January 11, while January 12 marks the last date for candidate withdrawals. Election symbols will be allotted on January 13.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2023.