NA-128
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dealt a blow to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidate Salman Akram Raja on Thursday, rejecting his plea in NA-128. The ECP clarified that Raja could take the matter to the election tribunal for further consideration.
Salman Akram Raja’s appeal was against the decision of the returning officer in NA-128. The PTI-backed candidate had filed the application, seeking a review of the initial decision.
The ECP, in its summary decision, firmly declined the application, prompting Raja to explore the option of approaching the election tribunal.
A two-member bench of the ECP, headed by KP member Ikramullah Khan, heard Salman Akram Raja’s election-related plea. The summary decision rejecting the application was authored by Ikramullah Khan.
Previously, the returning officer had declared Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Awn Chaudhry as the winner in NA-128.
Following this announcement, Salman Akram Raja contested the decision by filing a petition against the declared results.
The rejection of Salman Akram Raja’s plea adds another layer of complexity to the electoral landscape, particularly as PTI has faced challenges and controversies regarding internal party polls and the allocation of electoral symbols.
The matter now appears destined for further legal proceedings as Raja explores options before the election tribunal.
