Rigging Allegations: LHC extends stay on election tribunal

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq defeated Khan in NA122.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday extended the stay on the proceedings of an election tribunal, in relation to Imran Khan’s petition seeking a recount of votes in the National Assembly (NA) constituency NA 122. NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had defeated Khan in the constituency. The stay has been extended until June 5. The court was hearing a petition by Sadiq, challenging the tribunal proceedings. Khan’s reply to the court on Thursday said the proceedings of the tribunal were in accordance with the law, and thus the stay should be withdrawn. Sadiq’s counsel said that there were several mistakes and forgeries in Khan’s reply. He said the reply was verified by a fake oath commissioner. He said the reply showed that Khan was not serious about court proceedings. On Khan’s counsel’s request, the court gave him a chance to prepare his arguments. Sadiq’s petition stated that the tribunal could not proceed with the recount with copies of the documents that Khan had submitted. He said original documents were needed for a recount.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2014.