Akhtar Megnal allowed in electoral race

The Balochistan Election Tribunal granted permission on Thursday for Balochistan National Party (BNP) Chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal to contest elections from NA-264 Quetta. Comprising senior judges of the Balochistan High Court (BHC), Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, and Justice Amir Nawaz Rana, the tribunal overturned the initial rejection of Mengal’s nomination papers by the returning officer, who cited his Aqama (work permit) from Dubai as grounds for disqualification.

The tribunal’s decision came in response to an application filed by Sajid Tareen Advocate, the Counsel for the BNP Chief. “Hopefully, the BNP Chief would be allowed to contest elections on the remaining two national assembly and one provincial assembly seats,” stated Sajid Tareen Advocate, expressing optimism after the tribunal’s order.

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A substantial gathering of BNP supporters was present outside the court when the tribunal issued its decision. Additionally, the tribunal granted permission to other political figures, including Khushal Khan Kakar of Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP), Manzoor Kakar, the Central Secretary-General of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), ex-Balochistan Minister Faiq Ali Jamali, and several others to participate in the upcoming elections.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2024.