Notices on Haleem’s poll fraud plea issued

An election tribunal set up in the Sindh High Court on Thursday took up the petition filed by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh regarding alleged irregularities in the NA-238 constituency during the recent general election.

Representing Sheikh, Barrister Ali Tahir argued that following the conclusion of the voting process on February 8, his client who was also a candidate in the constituency was denied the opportunity to finalise the requisite form. “Our election agents were abruptly removed on the same day,” he stated.

“The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently briefly uploaded our Form 45 on its website,” he added and prayed the tribunal order the ECP to re-upload Form 45 to deter further irregularities. The tribunal issued notices to the ECP and other relevant parties, summoning a response by April 19.

“Alongside the ongoing petition against the ECP in the SHC, our contempt of court petition is also being heard. We remain optimistic for justice from the courts,” Sheikh said while speaking to the media after the hearing.

He went on to add that a series of injustices against the PTI has persisted since the regime change and continues unabated. “Yesterday the US assistant secretary of state, Donald Lu, was summoned by a US Congress committee. It is now evident that those who conspired against Imran Khan have been exposed and shamed,” he said while referring to the hearing on the US administration’s take on the recent general elections in Pakistan.

“I commend the Pakistani diaspora in the US who supported Imran Khan's cause. Even Donald Lu had to acknowledge the irregularities in the recent elections. The international community has witnessed the extent of irregularities in the 2024 elections,” he added. “The world is awakening to the injustices faced by Pakistanis, and we are steadfastly fighting for their rights. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice.”

Sheikh said that the current government comprising PPP, PML-N, and MQM-Pakistan will have to face the consequences. “Imran Khan has also predicted that this government will not last beyond four to five months. All parties in the coalition government will be held accountable for their actions,” he added.

Regarding the economic challenges, Sheikh said that inflation has peaked during Ramazan, posing a significant challenge for the poor, particularly concerning the availability of two meals a day for Sehri and Iftar. “Inflation has surged over the last 16 months of the PDM government, and now, the same parties are back in power,” he added.

The PTI leader also highlighted a significant increase in street crime in Karachi. Street muggers are on the loose striking with impunity. “Fifty citizens have lost their lives while resisting robberies so far this year. Who is responsible for this?”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2024.