Court overturns ‘contentious’ election results

Rules in favour of PTI-backed MNA

KAHROR PAKKA:

Amid jubilant celebrations, Lahore High Court delivered a verdict in favour of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Member of National Assembly (MNA) from NA 144, prompting supporters to erupt in joy with fireworks and sweet distributions.

In a decisive move, the Lahore High Court bench ruled in favour of the PTI-backed MNA from NA 144, overturning a contentious election outcome that had been shrouded in controversy.

The ruling stemmed from a contempt of court case against the Returning Officer (RO) of Lodharan and the Election Commission, who were summoned on May 2 to face the charges.

As news of the court's decision in Rana Noon's favour reverberated, supporters and workers took to the streets, celebrating with fervour, symbolic of a hard-fought victory.

MNA Rana Muhammad Faraz Noon addressed the jubilant crowd, hailing the court's decision as a triumph of justice, truth, and the people's mandate. His words resonated with the elated supporters, who had fervently backed him throughout the legal battle.

Read also: PTI backed candidates challenge elections results of three seats in IHC

The electoral saga surrounding NA 144 had been fraught with tension and legal wrangling since the general elections on February 8.

Initially, the PTI-backed candidate, Rana Muhammad Faraz Noon, had secured a lead. However, the victory was short-lived as the recount declared the PML-N candidate, Abdul Rehman Kanju, as the winner. This triggered a series of legal manoeuvres, including a stay against the recount obtained by Rana Muhammad Faraz Noon from the Bahawalpur Bench of the Lahore High Court.

Despite the stay, the returning officer of constituency concerned proceeded to issue the victory notification to Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju, leading to Rana Muhammad Faraz Noon's de-notification as the MNA.

The subsequent legal battle saw twists and turns, with appeals and counter-appeals challenging the court's decisions. However, on April 16, the Lahore High Court bench reinstated the decision in favour of PTI MNA Rana Faraz Noon, bringing an end to the protracted legal dispute.

The resounding verdict of the Lahore High Court not only reinstated Rana Muhammad Faraz Noon as the rightful MNA but also underscored the judiciary's commitment to upholding electoral integrity. As supporters rejoiced in the streets, the ruling served as a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy and the rule of law.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2024.