Numerous candidates from various political parties have submitted their nomination papers nationwide. While the papers of many candidates have been accepted by returning officers, a considerable number have also faced rejection for various reasons throughout the country.
The window for appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is open until January 3. On the other hand, decisions on these appeals are slated to be unveiled by January 10, adding an extra layer of anticipation to an already charged political atmosphere.
The unveiling of the list of candidates on January 11 will herald a critical moment, allowing candidates a brief window until January 12 to contemplate withdrawal from the electoral race.
Meanwhile, the subsequent allotment of electoral symbols on January 13 will provide a visual identity to each contender, adding a visual dimension to the unfolding narrative of the political landscape.
Finally, the stage will be set for the grand performance on February 8, when polling booths will welcome voters.
Who faces rejection:
In a surprising turn of events, the nomination papers of prominent leaders, including PTI founder chairman Imran Khan and key figures like Shah Mehmood Qureshi, faced rejection by the Election Commission.
The rejection verdict, issued by the returning officer, cited various reasons for the dismissal of Imran Khan’s nomination papers for National Assembly Constituencies NA-122 in Lahore and NA 89 in Mianwali 1. The judgment highlighted discrepancies, such as the candidate’s supporter not belonging to the constituency.
Similarly, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, along with his sons Zain Qureshi and Mehrabano, witnessed the disapproval of their nomination papers for NA-151 and NA-150. The reasons included alleged forgery in Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s affidavit and signature, a default of Rs 91,000 to the revenue department, and the absence of supporters.
Azam Khan Swati faced the rejection of his nomination papers for NA-15 in Mansehra, while Zulfi Bukhari encountered a similar fate for NA-50 in Attock.
The rejection wave extended to Imran Khan’s cousin, Irfan Khan, from PP-90 in Punjab, citing the non-availability of endorsers and attestators. Further disapprovals included Ali Muhammad Khan’s nomination for NA-23, Tufail Anjum’s papers for PK-55 in Mardan, and Hamad Azhar’s from PP-172.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s nomination for NA-130 and Jameel Asghar Bhatti’s for NA-125 were not spared from rejection, alongside Mohammad Atif’s for PK-58 and NA-22.
The nomination papers of former National Assembly speaker and PTI leader Qasim Suri have also been rejected. The objection stated that Suri is a proclaimed offender and his identity card has been blocked. He is also a defaulter of the state, said the returning officer.
Musrat Jamshed and Jamshed Iqbal Cheema’s papers for NA-121 faced disapproval, while PTI candidates Ali Asjad Malhi and Bau Rizwan’s nominations for NA-73 in Daska were also rejected.
The nomination documents of Imran Khan’s lawyers Naeem Haider and Intezar Panjotha have been rejected from NA-82 and PP-71 Bhera.
From NA-156 Burewala, the nominations of all PTI candidates were rejected, including Ayesha Nazir Jutt, Nazir Ahmed Jutt, and Arifa Nazir Jutt. PTI leader Atif Khan’s nomination was also rejected from NA-22 and PK-59.
The nomination papers of Sheikh Rashid and Rashid Shafiq from NA 56 and 57 Rawalpindi were also rejected. According to the returning officer, Sheikh Rasheed allegedly falsified the FBR statements while not paying for the rest-house stay.
The returning officer also rejected the nomination papers of Parvez Elahi, his wife Qaisara Elahi, and his son Monis Elahi from the NA-64 and PP-32 constituencies of Gujarat. The returning officer has objected, saying that the candidates did not appear for scrutiny.
The nomination papers of 11 candidates from the NA-55 Rawalpindi constituency were rejected. The candidates whose papers were rejected include Ijaz-ul-Haq, Malik Tariq Noon, Khatib-ur-Rehman, Iraj Shahnawaz Raja, Muhammad Tayyab Hussain Paracha, Babar Sultan Jadoon, Umar Tanveer, former Punjab Law Minister Muhammad Basharat Raja, Nasir Raja, Ziad Khaliq Kayani.
The nomination papers of PTI’s Jamshed Dasti from Muzaffargarh were rejected from NA-175, 176 and PP-269, PP-271 while the nomination papers of Jamshed Dasti’s wife from NA-175, 176 were also rejected.
Adding to the list, four candidates from PP-59, including Nasir Cheema, Jamal Nasir Cheema, and Imran Yusuf Gujjar, had their papers rejected, intensifying the challenges for PTI in the upcoming elections.
