LAHORE: Abdul Aleem Khan, President of the IPP and recently elected member of the National Assembly, secured a significant legal victory as the Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed a plea challenging the election results for NA-117, deeming it inadmissible.
The plea, filed by independent candidate Ali Ijaz Buttar, raised concerns about the election results in NA-117. However, Justice Ali Baqir Najafi of the Lahore High Court ultimately dismissed the application, affirming Aleem Khan’s victory.
In its ruling, the court directed the petitioners to address their concerns to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) under Sections 8 and 9 of the Election Act 2017.
The court emphasized the crucial role of candidates in the results preparation process, urging the ECP to consider this factor when evaluating petitions under Article 218 of the Constitution.
Additionally, the court acknowledged that the Returning Officer of the Election Commission had issued an unconditional apology for not appearing in court, adding a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings surrounding the election results.
This legal victory for Abdul Aleem Khan not only reinforces the legitimacy of his election to the National Assembly but also underscores the importance of due process and adherence to electoral laws. The Lahore High Court’s decision places the responsibility on the Election Commission to address any concerns raised in accordance with established legal procedures, contributing to the overall transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
