Tribunal allows Murad, Swati to contest Senate polls

PESHAWAR: The Election Tribunal of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday overturned the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to reject the nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Murad Saeed, Azam Swati, and Khurram Zeeshan.

The appeals filed by the three PTI leaders were accepted, declaring them eligible to compete in the upcoming Senate elections slated for April 2.

However, appeals challenging the acceptance of nomination papers filed by Fida Muhammad Khan, Robina Khalid, Qaisar Khan from the Pakistan Peoples Party, as well as Daulat Khan, Shazia of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, and PTI’s Azhar Mashwani were rejected, confirming the validity of their nomination papers.

During the hearing chaired by Justice Shakeel Ahmad, concerns were raised about the rejection of nomination papers.

Legal representatives argued against the rejection, citing evidence refuting allegations of forgery and property concealment in the nomination papers.

The tribunal ruled in favour of the PTI leaders, clearing their path for participation in the elections.

In contrast, appeals about the acceptance of nomination papers from other parties were dismissed, reaffirming their eligibility for the elections.