Election tribunal upholds PML-N's win, Jhagra's loss

PTI rigging plea over Form 45, 47 mismatch rejected for legal flaws

An election tribunal in Peshawar, headed by Justice (R) Lal Jan Khatak, has dismissed the election petition filed by Taimur Saleem Jhagra, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed candidate for PK-79 (Peshawar 8), and upheld Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Jalal Khan's victory in the provincial assembly elections.

The tribunal completed the hearing on Monday and rejected Jhagra's petition. Barrister Yaseen Raza represented Khan in the case.

Read: PTI demands probe into Peshawar polls

In his petition, Jhagra argued that according to Form 45, he had won by a large majority, but Khan was declared successful under Form 47 despite receiving fewer votes. His lawyer contended that the election had been severely rigged and the results manipulated, with evidence present in the official record.

The petitioner told the tribunal that according to records on the judicial file, he had secured a clear majority under Form 45, but the notification was issued in favor of Khan. He submitted a request to the Returning Officer, which was rejected, prompting him to approach the tribunal. He requested the court to invalidate Khan's victory and declare him the successful candidate.

Khan's lawyer told the court that the petitioner had ignored several important legal points and committed multiple errors in the election petition, causing problems in the verification process. He stated that according to election rules, anyone filing an election petition must present all facts accurately on the record.

Read More: PHC dismisses PTI MNA's petition

The affidavit submitted by Jhagra incorrectly listed his father's name as Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, whereas his correct name is Muhammad Saleem Khan. He argued that other legal requirements were also not fulfilled and that on technical grounds, the petition should be dismissed.

After hearing all arguments, the tribunal dismissed Jhagra's election petition and upheld Khan's victory.