POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Lahore High Court Invalidates PML-N Wins in Gujranwala and Lodhran; Yasmin Rashid Challenges Nawaz Sharif's Victory

Lahore High Court overturns PML-N victories in Gujranwala and Lodhran, while Dr. Yasmin Rashid contests Nawaz Sharif's win from Lahore.
2024-04-18
Lahore High Court Invalidates PML-N Wins in Gujranwala and Lodhran; Yasmin Rashid Challenges Nawaz Sharif's Victory

The Lahore High Court (LHC) delivered significant rulings on Tuesday, overturning victories secured by PML-N lawmakers from Gujranwala and Lodhran constituencies. Additionally, the victory notification for a PML-N Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Nankana Sahib was suspended, further complicating the political landscape.

 

In Gujranwala's NA-81 constituency, Justice Shahid Karim granted a petition by PTI-backed independent candidate Chaudhry Bilal Ijaz, setting aside the victory notification of PML-N's Azhar Qayum Nahra. The petitioner contended irregularities in the electoral process, highlighting a recount that favored Nahra after initially being declared elected by a significant margin. The judge ruled in favor of the petitioner, emphasizing the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) disregard for the Supreme Court's directives, ultimately nullifying Nahra's victory notification.

 

Similarly, in Lodhran's NA-154 constituency, the Bahawalpur bench of the LHC invalidated the victory notification of PML-N's Abdul Rehman Kanjoo, declaring PTI-backed Rana Faraz Noon as the winner. These decisions, following intra-court appeals, underscore the judiciary's role in addressing electoral disputes and ensuring transparency in the democratic process.

 

In a separate development, the LHC suspended the victory notification for PML-N's Rana Arshad from Nankana Sahib's NA-133 constituency. This decision came in response to a petition by PTI-backed independent candidate Mohammad Atif, citing irregularities in the recount process. The court's intervention reflects the commitment to upholding electoral integrity and addressing grievances raised by aggrieved parties.

 

Meanwhile, former Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid has challenged former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's victory from Lahore's NA-130 constituency before an LHC election tribunal. Alleging electoral manipulation, Rashid's petition underscores the importance of accountability and fairness in the electoral process.

 

These legal developments highlight the ongoing electoral disputes in Pakistan and the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic principles. As the nation navigates through these challenges, ensuring transparency and accountability remains paramount for upholding the integrity of the electoral system.