Court Diary
Imran Ammar
ISLAMABAD: Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri of the Islamabad High Court has ordered the submission of forms 45, 46, and 47 in the ongoing case of alleged electoral rigging in constituency NA-46. The general elections in Pakistan were held on February 8, 2024.
The court was hearing an appeal by Amir Mughal, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supported candidate, challenging the results in NA-46. Present in court was Anjum Aqeel Khan, the Member of National Assembly (MNA) from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accompanied by his legal team.
During the proceedings, the Election Commission’s lawyer informed Justice Jahangiri that they had not yet received copies of the petitions but had submitted forms 45, 46, and 47. The court directed the petitioner to provide copies of the petitions to the Election Commission.
The lawyer representing the returning officer requested additional time to respond, stating that he had only recently been made a party to the case. The court granted this request and ordered the returning officer to submit the required forms.
Anjum Aqeel Khan’s legal team filed a request arguing that Amir Mughal’s application was inadmissible as it did not meet the necessary requirements. The court instructed Amir Mughal’s lawyer to respond to this objection.
The Election Tribunal inquired about the official notification of Anjum Aqeel Khan’s victory. Amir Mughal’s lawyer stated the notification was issued on February 19, while the Election Commission’s lawyer claimed it was dated February 13. It was noted that Amir Mughal’s petition was filed after the statutory deadline.
Justice Jahangiri remarked that the court would make its decision in accordance with the law. The hearing has been adjourned until July 22, allowing for the observance of the Muharram holidays.
