ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) order to transfer several cases alleging election tampering to a new tribunal was suspended by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the case and also sent a notice of contempt to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) politician Anjum Aqeel Khan, ordering him to make sure he shows up for court at all hearings.
On June 10, the four-member bench of the electoral body, presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, granted the petitions of PML-N legislators requesting the transfer of cases in which independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had contested their victory in the polls held on February 8.
The petitions were submitted by Raja Khurram Nawaz, Aqeel Khan, and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry of the PML-N.
Her opponents in the general election were Muhammad Ali Bokhari, Shoaib Shaheen, and Aamir Mughal, who were supported by the PTI.
The PTI-backed independent candidates then challenged the ECP’s ruling at the IHC, and the court first refused to allow the new tribunals to hear the cases.
IHC CJ Farooq ordered PML-N MP Anjum to read his affidavit that was turned in for the ECP during today’s session.
“What does the term nepotism mean? Give me an explanation,” the Chief Justice replied.
