ISLAMABAD (Daily Point) — In the dynamic landscape of Pakistani politics, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming February 2024 general elections has reached a fever pitch, with today marking the conclusion of the scrutiny period for nomination papers.
In an unexpected twist, prominent leaders, including PTI founder chairman Imran Khan and key figures like Shah Mehmood Qureshi, faced the rejection of their nomination papers by the Election Commission.
The decision, handed down by the returning officer, cited various reasons for the dismissal of Imran Khan’s nomination papers for National Assembly Constituencies NA-122 in Lahore and NA-89 in Mianwali 1. Discrepancies such as the candidate’s supporter not belonging to the constituency were highlighted in the judgment.
Similarly, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, along with his sons Zain Qureshi and Mehrabano, experienced the disapproval of their nomination papers for NA-151 and NA-150. Reasons included alleged forgery in Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s affidavit and signature, a default of Rs 91,000 to the revenue department, and the absence of supporters.
Azam Khan Swati faced rejection for his nomination papers for NA-15 in Mansehra, while Zulfi Bukhari encountered a similar fate for NA-50 in Attock.
The wave of rejections extended to Imran Khan’s cousin, Irfan Khan, from PP-90 in Punjab, citing non-availability of endorsers and attestors. Further disapprovals included Ali Muhammad Khan’s nomination for NA-23, Tufail Anjum’s papers for PK-55 in Mardan, and Hamad Azhar’s from PP-172.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s nomination for NA-130 and Jameel Asghar Bhatti’s for NA-125 were not spared from rejection, alongside Mohammad Atif’s for PK-58 and NA-22.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has moved the Peshawar High Court to reconsider the decision on PTI’s ‘bat’ symbol.
The nomination papers of former National Assembly speaker and PTI leader Qasim Suri have also been rejected, with objections stating that Suri is a proclaimed offender, and his identity card has been blocked. The returning officer also noted that he is a defaulter of the state.
Musrat Jamshed and Jamshed Iqbal Cheema’s papers for NA-121 faced disapproval, while PTI candidates Ali Asjad Malhi and Bau Rizwan’s nominations for NA-73 in Daska were also rejected.
Imran Khan’s lawyers Naeem Haider and Intezar Panjotha had their nomination papers rejected from NA-82 and PP-71 Bhera.
From NA-156 Burewala, the nominations of all PTI candidates were rejected, including Ayesha Nazir Jutt, Nazir Ahmed Jutt, and Arifa Nazir Jutt. PTI leader Atif Khan’s nomination was also rejected from NA-22 and PK-59.
The nomination papers of Sheikh Rashid and Rashid Shafiq from NA-56 and 57 Rawalpindi were rejected, with the returning officer alleging that Sheikh Rasheed had falsified FBR statements while not paying for a rest-house stay.
Parvez Elahi, his wife Qaisara Elahi, and his son Monis Elahi faced rejection of their nomination papers from NA-64 and PP-32 constituencies of Gujarat. The returning officer objected, stating that the candidates did not appear for scrutiny.
The nomination papers of 11 candidates from the NA-55 Rawalpindi constituency were rejected, including Ijaz-ul-Haq, Malik Tariq Noon, Khatib-ur-Rehman, Iraj Shahnawaz Raja, Muhammad Tayyab Hussain Paracha, Babar Sultan Jadoon, Umar Tanveer, former Punjab Law Minister Muhammad Basharat Raja, Nasir Raja, and Ziad Khaliq Kayani.
PTI’s Jamshed Dasti also faced rejection of his nomination papers from Muzaffargarh, with rejections spanning NA-175, 176 and PP-269, PP-271, while the nomination papers of Jamshed Dasti’s wife from NA-175, 176 were also rejected.
