ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved judgment against Election Commission (EC) proceedings for investigation into rigging in opposition leader Omar Ayub constituency NA 18, Hari Pur. Acting Chief Justice (CJ) of IHC Sarfraz Dogar took up the petition for hearing Wednesday. Sajeel Swat counsel for EC and counsel for Omar Ayub gave arguments. Counsel for Omar Ayub said EC has to decide on petition within 60 days.
The proceedings of EC after 60 days is illegal. Omar Ayub had won the election with heavy margin. The rival candidate also accepted the victory of Omar Ayub Khan who himself tweeted. Counsel for EC said Omar Ayub himself complained against rigging on election day. When Omar Ayub won the election at evening then rival candidate too lodged complaint of rigging. Omar Ayub resorted to IHC when EC started proceedings regarding petitions of both of them. Counsel for EC requested that EC has not initiated any proceeding or issued order so far, therefore , the petition be dismissed. Later the court reserved judgment on Omar Ayub petition after hearing the arguments of counsels of the respondents. It is pertinent to mention here that Omar Ayub had challenged EC proceedings to conduct investigation into rigging charges during election in NA-18 Hari pur. Former Chief Justice (CJ) of IHC Aamir Farooq had issued stay order on EC proceedings. The court had sought reply from returning officer of NA-18, district returning officer and Babar Nawaz Khan. Online
