Rashid to move SC against ECP verdict

Former minister reveals that returning officer summoned him to commissioner’s office on short notice

RAWALPINDI:

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed announced Saturday he intends to move the Supreme Court against the rejection of his nomination papers. In a video message, the former interior minister revealed that the returning officer summoned him to the commissioner’s office on short notice.

During the meeting, his nomination papers were scrutinised, and allegations were made, including the claim that he failed to pay for lodging at a rest house in Murree. Rashid denied ever staying at the rest-house but expressed his willingness to pay if necessary.

He further addressed another accusation related to the non-disclosure of a specific piece of land.

Read Rashid faces queries during papers’ scrutiny

Emphasising that all his land is registered in his name, Rashid asserted that the Supreme Court had already ruled in his favour on the matter. The former minister also refuted allegations of tax evasion, stating that he has consistently adhered to tax regulations.

He affirmed his commitment to contest these purportedly baseless claims and announced his intention to file an appeal, either with the Lahore High Court or the Supreme Court.

Highlighting his extensive experience as a minister, Rashid questioned the rationale behind engaging in corruption over an amount as trivial as Rs94,000.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2023