ISLAMABAD (Azaad English): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has raised concerns over the High Court’s decision in the disqualification case of PTI MNA Jamshed Dasti. The commission questioned how he was allowed to contest elections despite the rejection of his nomination papers by the Returning Officer.
A three-member bench, led by Sindh Election Commission member Nisar Durrani, heard the case. Petitioners Ameer Akbar and Zulfiqar Dogar, along with their lawyers, were present, but Jamshed Dasti did not appear before the commission.
During the proceedings, a member of the bench from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) pointed out that if the Returning Officer had disqualified Dasti, it was unclear how he was permitted to contest the election. The petitioners’ lawyer explained that the High Court had approved his nomination papers, allowing him to participate in the polls.
However, the commission questioned whether the High Court had the authority to make such a decision. The KP member emphasized that election disputes are usually handled by the Appellate Tribunal, while cases related to the disqualification of elected representatives are referred to the Speaker of the National Assembly.
In response, the ECP directed all parties to return with detailed arguments on these legal points. The hearing was adjourned until February 27, with instructions for both sides to prepare for a thorough discussion.
This case raises significant legal questions about the limits of judicial intervention in election matters and could set a precedent for future disputes regarding nomination approvals and disqualifications. The upcoming hearing will determine whether the High Court’s decision stands or if the case will be reassessed under electoral laws.
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