LHC Bar polls turn controversial

LAHORE:

The annual elections of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) turned controversial after results were announced amid commotion.

The Election Board declared successful the presidential candidate backed by PTI leader Hamid Khan's Professional Group, Babar Murtaza Khan.

However, the rival Independent Group led by Ahsan Bhoon refused to accept the result, terming the process incomplete and non-transparent.

After the result announcement, both groups claimed victory for the president's post, citing separate vote counts.

According to results issued by the election panel, Babar Murtaza obtained 6,234 votes while Raja Aamir secured 3,781.

Polling was halted earlier than scheduled at 4:00pm due to the tense situation on the bar premises.

After the announcement, lawyers belonging to the Professional Group lifted Babar Murtaza on their shoulders and celebrated, while members of the opposing group protested and chanted slogans.

Results for the seats of vice president, secretary and finance secretary had yet to be announced.

During the episode, lawyers from both groups came face to face amid sloganeering.

Lawyers said the matter might lead to legal proceedings.