Pakistan's Supreme Court dismisses plea to nullify elections due to absentee petitioner
- Posted on February 21, 2024
- Legal
- By TSW NEWS DESK
- 100 Views
Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking to nullify elections due to absentee petitioner drama. The petitioner, Ali Khan, failed to attend consecutive hearings, leading to the dismissal. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa imposed a fine, citing misuse of court processes.
In
a recent development, Pakistan's
Supreme Court encountered an intriguing legal saga surrounding the
nullification of the February 8 elections. The court rejected a plea aiming to
declare the elections null and void, highlighting the absence of the
petitioner, Ali Khan. Khan, a retired Army officer, sought to nullify the elections
and conduct new polls within 30 days for fairness and transparency.
Chief
Justice Qazi Faez Isa, leading a three-member bench, resumed the hearing after
adjourning it earlier. Despite prior warnings, Ali Khan remained absent,
prompting the court to dismiss the plea and fine him Rs 500,000. Additional
Attorney General Amir Rehman informed the court about failed attempts to reach
Khan.
During previous hearings, the court criticized the petition's filing and withdrawal, denouncing it as an abuse of court processes. The plaintiff's lawyer expressed a desire to withdraw the plea, but the court rejected it, emphasizing Khan's presence. The court also noted discrepancies in the petition's timeline and media reports.
Also Read: UAE Selects Former Indian Cricket World Cup Champion As Head Coach For Men's Team
Further
revelations surfaced regarding Ali Khan's past as a former Brigadier dismissed
from service after a court-martial in 2012. The court read an email from Khan
claiming he was abroad and requesting petition withdrawal. Justice Isa
scrutinized Khan's travel details, suggesting a publicity stunt.
Ali
Khan's petition demanded an investigation into alleged pre-poll rigging and
election fraud, citing violations of democratic principles. He highlighted
hurdles faced by PTI candidates and Imran Khan's imprisonment, alleging
democratic process undermining. Post-election, protests erupted across
Balochistan and Sindh, challenging declared outcomes.
Amidst these legal battles, political dynamics in Pakistan are shifting. The PML-N and PPP forged a coalition agreement, aiming to form a new government. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced Shehbaz Sharif's candidacy for Prime Minister and Asif Ali Zardari for President. This alliance aims to counter Imran Khan's PTI, branding them as 'mandate thieves.'