ISLAMABAD – As the general election draws near, a nationwide process of filing appeals against the decisions of Returning Officers regarding candidates’ nomination papers is gaining momentum.
In a significant development, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo Nawaz Sharif is facing a challenge to the acceptance of his nomination papers from NA-130 Lahore as an appeal has been formally lodged with the Election Tribunal, marking a critical juncture in the electoral proceedings.
Advocate Ishtiaq Chaudhry, a local lawyer and head of Pakistan Awami Mahaz, has filed the appeal against the approval of Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers.
Chaudhry contends that the Supreme Court of Pakistan had previously declared Nawaz Sharif ineligible, citing him as unfit to participate in elections. However, contrary to this ruling, the returning officer overseeing the nomination process granted approval to Nawaz Sharif’s candidacy.
He asked the tribunal to set aside the RO’s decision regarding acceptance of Nawaz Sharif’s papers for the upcoming elections.