ISLAMABAD: The returning officer for Islamabad’s NA-53 reserved on Tuesday his verdict on the objections against PTI chief Imran Khan’s candidacy.
Abdul Wahab Baloch, a leader of former CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry’s Pakistan Justice and Democratic Party, had challenged Khan’s candidacy for NA-53. According to Baloch, Khan was not truthful and honest about the Tyrian White issue and, hence, is not eligible for office under Article 62.
Khan’s lawyer, Babar Awan, appeared before the returning officer on Tuesday. He remarked that they rejected the objections against Imran seven times in the written reply submitted to the ECP a day ago since all of them were based on falsehood. He said that it was forgery to use photocopies for incriminating Khan. He added that the Supreme Court has declared Khan ‘sadiq’ [truthful] and ‘ameen’ [honest].
Baloch’s lawyer, Sheikh Ehsanud Din, also presented his arguments before the returning officer.
The returning officer reserved his verdict, having heard both the sides.
In NA-53, former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Ayesha Gulalai have also filed their nomination papers. Elections will be held across Pakistan on July 25. June 19 is the last day of scrutiny of papers. According to the election schedule, appeals against rejection or acceptance of nomination papers can be submitted by June 22. The appeals will be decided by June 27, after which the election regulatory body will share the final list of candidates on June 28.
