LAHORE:
The returning officer (RO) has sought detailed arguments from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) by tomorrow over objections raised by PML-N over nomination papers submitted by PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan for the constituency NA-122 Lahore.
The PML-N’s former MPA and the current contester Mian Naseer submitted objections before the RO, claiming that Imran had been convicted in the Toshakhana case and his nomination papers were not attested by the jail superintendent. He also claimed that his seconder did not belong to the constituency where the PTI founder was contesting from.
The RO’s room was packed with PTI supporters, on a point some fiery arguments also took place between the counsels of both sides.
During arguments, the Imran’s counsels requested the RO to dismiss the objections as non-maintainable adding that the seconders and proposers belonged to the same constituency the PTI founder was contesting from.
The counsel for the objector implored that they have no personal grudge against Imran and adding there are certain legal aspects which need to be focused upon.
It is essential that the proposer and seconder of any candidate must be the resident of that constituency where the contester is contesting, the objector’s counsel argued. He further argued that the ECP had convicted Imran for five years, hence, how could he file nomination papers.
“An application against Imran’s disqualification is still pending before the Lahore High Court (LHC),” argued the PTI counsel.
“Did LHC suspend the disqualification,” the RO asked. To which the PTI counsel replied that the LHC had not suspended the disqualification and the matter is still pending.
“Do you have any proof to establish that Imran’s seconder does not belong to the constituency where he is contesting from,” the RO further asked the objector’s counsel.
The objector’s counsel argued that there is substantial evidence present and the RO has the authority to reject the nomination papers of the proposers and seconders if they do not belong to the relevant constituency.
He further pointed out that the seconder and proposer did not sign the nomination papers in the presence of Imran. To which PTI’s counsel proposed the RO summon the person for satisfaction of his query.
At this point, the supporters present chanted slogans in favour of Imran.
Meanwhile, a lawyer objected to the objector Naseer, claiming he himself is not a resident of the constituency. Naseer’s counsel argued that he belongs to the constituency.
However, Imran’s counsel requested the RO for time till tomorrow to satisfy the objections raised against Imran’s nomination. .
