LAHORE: Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan dismissed rumors of seat adjustments with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the upcoming general elections, stating that a decision would be made post obtaining permission from the party’s CEC.
In Lahore, Aleem Khan expressed, “We haven’t discussed seat adjustments with the PML-N in the CEC. Our decision will follow CEC approval.” He added that the IPP is open to talks, emphasizing the importance of avoiding personalizing political differences.
Regarding Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Aleem Khan commended the gesture. He clarified that Shehbaz Sharif met IPP’s Jahangir Khan Tareen as a goodwill gesture, not for a specific agenda.
On seat adjustments with the Pakistan Peoples Party, Aleem Khan stated, “No contact from the PPP regarding seat adjustment.” He highlighted the need to uplift democracy for the country’s economy and security.
Recalling May 9 events, Aleem Khan asserted, “No room for negotiation with PTI after May 9 vandalism.” He criticized the former PTI chief for focusing on imprisoning opponents, blaming the PTI for harming the country.
Regarding newly-appointed PTI chief Barrister Gohar, Aleem Khan clarified, “Never met Barrister Gohar. He was part of the PPP, and I had no association with the PPP.”
Two Petitions Challenging ECP’s Delimitations Struck Down In Initial Hearings
Meanwhile, challenges to the delimitations conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan saw initial outcomes on Friday, as courts invalidated two petitions while mandating reviews for three others.
The Lahore High Court deliberated on petitions contesting the delimitations in the Punjab Assembly’s PP-35 Wazirabad and PP-59 Gakhar Mandi, along with the National Assembly’s NA-120 and 123 in Lahore.
Representatives of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, Atta Tarar, and Azam Nazeer Tarar, presented their case in the LHC on Friday. Tarar argued that alterations to NA-123 and PP-39 were against the law.
The petitions contended that one constituency witnessed a decrease in population while another experienced an increase, violating rules that impose limits on such changes.
The LHC nullified the delimitations in PP-35 and 59, directing the ECP to reassess NA-120 and NA-123.
