Tribunal hints at ex-parte proceedings in rigging case

Gives final chance to respondents to submit Forms 45, 46 and 47

ISLAMABAD:

An election tribunal in Islamabad has indicated it may proceed ex-parte due to the absence of respondents in the case concerning alleged rigging in NA-48.

The tribunal has also fined the returning officer Rs15,000.

Justice Tariq Mehmood Jehangiri of the Election Tribunal, in a written order, observed that despite advertisements in newspapers and TV channels, the respondents, including the successful candidate Raja Khurram Nawaz and the returning officer, did not appear in court. Consequently, the tribunal has ordered one-sided action in their absence.

Although some parties were present in the previous hearing, they did not appear at Friday’s hearing. These parties will be sent a summon again through a special messenger.

The returning officer has been given a final deadline to submit Forms 45, 46, and 47 and has been fined Rs15,000 for not appearing despite the notice. The fine must be deposited in the SOS Village Islamabad, and the receipt submitted in court at the next hearing.

According to the order, the winning candidate from NA-48 has submitted his reply but has yet to submit Forms 45, 46, and 47. He has been given a final opportunity to submit these forms with an affidavit.

During the hearing on Friday, the Election Commission submitted certified copies of Forms 45, 46, and 47 in a sealed envelope, which were opened in court. These copies will be kept in the safe custody of the designated officer of the Registrar's Office. The candidates can review the certified copies with the permission of the Registrar.

The case has been adjourned until June 6, 2024, for further hearing.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2024.