NA-241
KARACHI: The recent electoral victory of Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, a candidate from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), in the National Assembly constituency NA-241 in Karachi has been legally challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC). The petition against Baig’s victory was filed by a citizen named Pervaiz Akhtar.
According to the details of the petition, the legal challenge revolves around Baig’s citizenship status. It has been alleged that Baig holds Canadian nationality and that his application to renounce his Canadian citizenship is still pending resolution.
In Pakistan, the law prohibits dual nationals from holding a seat in the National Assembly, thus forming the basis of the challenge to Baig’s eligibility and his subsequent election win.
The petitioner, Pervaiz Akhtar, has requested the court to suspend Baig’s membership in the National Assembly on these grounds, asserting that his current status as a dual national disqualifies him from serving in this capacity.
Responding to the petition, the Sindh High Court has issued notices seeking a response from Mirza Ikhtiar Baig as well as the provincial and federal governments.
The court has also directed the counsel representing Baig to appear at the next hearing, which is scheduled for May 16.
This legal challenge comes in the wake of the 2024 general elections results for NA-241 Karachi, where Baig emerged victorious with a total of 52,456 votes.
He won the seat with a margin of 3,846 votes, surpassing the PTI-backed independent candidate Khurram Sher Zaman, who secured 48,610 votes.
Farooq Sattar of the MQM-P trailed significantly, obtaining only 494 votes in a contest that drew considerable attention due to its competitive nature.
This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal complexities surrounding electoral qualifications in Pakistan, particularly concerning the eligibility of candidates with dual nationality.
The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for Baig’s political career and for the broader legal precedents regarding election laws and dual nationality in Pakistan.
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