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Lahore High Court Suspends NA-175 By-Election on Petition by PTI's Jamshed Dasti
LHC halts NA-175 by-election on PTI’s Jamshed Dasti’s petition against his disqualification. Court questions ECP's authority without judicial declaration. Notice issued to AG for assistance.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-30
Lahore High Court Suspends NA-175 By-Election on Petition by PTI's Jamshed Dasti

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday suspended the schedule of the upcoming by-election in NA-175 following a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jamshed Dasti against his disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The matter was heard by a three-member full bench headed by Chief Justice of the LHC, who expressed keen interest in the circumstances surrounding the case and questioned the legal basis of the disqualification.

Court Questions ECP's Authority

During the hearing, the Chief Justice asked pointed questions regarding the timeline of the legal proceedings, including the signing of the power of attorney. Dasti’s counsel admitted to delays, stating the power of attorney was signed late.

More importantly, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the Election Commission lacks the authority to disqualify a candidate without a judicial declaration, citing Supreme Court precedent. “The ECP cannot on its own disqualify an individual,” he maintained.

The court appeared to agree with the argument, stating that the Election Commission had overstepped its jurisdiction by disqualifying Dasti without such a declaration.

By-Election Schedule Suspended

After hearing initial arguments, the court suspended the by-election schedule for NA-175, effectively halting the electoral process in the constituency. The LHC also suspended the ECP's disqualification order against Jamshed Dasti and issued a notice to the Attorney General of Pakistan for further assistance on the matter.

This move adds a new twist to the political scene in southern Punjab, where Dasti remains a significant political figure. The case will now proceed with further legal arguments and government input in the coming hearings.

 
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JamshedDasti

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