PESHAWAR – The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday concluded hearings on the Election Commission’s appeal concerning the intra-party elections and election symbol case of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Justice Ijaz Khan reserved the verdict after considering arguments presented by the Election Commission’s lawyer and senior PTI lawyer, Advocate Justice Anwar, during a series of hearings.
Justice Ijaz Khan addressed the Election Commission’s lawyer, observed that the court had heard their arguments.
The PTI lawyer, Shah Faisal, requested a brief adjournment, indicating that Senior Lawyer Justice Anwar was on his way and would present evidence.
After the break, the hearing resumed, with Senior Lawyer Justice Anwar Advocate appearing before the court. The Election Commission’s lawyer informed the court about the relationship between Justice Anwar Advocate and himself, emphasizing their connection.
Justice Anwar Advocate clarified that both he and Barrister Gohar were representing the PTI in the case. He pointed out that political parties had expressed support for the Election Commission during the proceedings. Justice Ijaz Khan reminded the parties that extraneous matters were irrelevant to the court proceedings.
Justice Anwar Advocate raised concerns about a significant police presence, recounting an incident where he was stopped and searched upon arrival. He questioned whether the court could entertain a case against the High Court’s decision on the Election Commission. Justice Anwar highlighted discrepancies in the Election Commission’s actions, specifically mentioning the rejection of their candidates’ nomination papers and the delay in issuing certificates for intra-party elections on the website.
Justice Ijaz Khan asked about any contempt of court cases filed by the PTI, to which Justice Anwar responded by emphasizing the party’s dissatisfaction with the ECP’s conduct.
Concluding his arguments, Justice Anwar emphasized upon the transparent elections and criticized the Election Commission’s alleged bias against a political party.
After hearing the arguments, the PHC reserved its decision on the Election Commission’s review appeal.
