In the bustling landscape of Pakistani politics, the fervour of the impending February 2024 general elections has reached a crescendo, as today marks the culmination of the scrutiny period for nomination papers.
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 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.
ECP moves Peshawar High Court to reconsider decision on PTI ‘bat’ symbol
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 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.
