Ayaz Sadiq plea: SC issues notice to PM, Nadra, ECP

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday issued notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra). Over a petition filed by former National Assembly Speaker and PMLN leader Ayaz Sadiq.

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A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Umer Ata Bandail. Heard the seven-year old appeal filed by PMLN leader Ayaz Sadiq against. The expenses incurred during the re-election in constituency NA-122, Lahore in 2013 general elections.

Ayaz vs Pm in 2013:

Ayaz Sadiq declared successful from NA 122, Lahore in 2013 general elections after defeating Imran Khan. PTI chief Imran Khan, however, had challenged the victory of Ayaz Sadiq. At which the Election Tribunal Punjab in 2015 ordered re-election in NA-122. After declaring the 2013 election results in the constituency null and void.

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Ayaz Sadiq, however, again emerged successful from the said constituency, defeating the PTI new candidate Aleem Khan. On Thursday during the course of proceeding in the instant matter Chief Justice Umer Ata Bandial observed that the matter related to 2013 general elections whose term had already ended. Counsel representing the Ayaz Sadiq, however, contended that the election tribunal had imposed fines against his client unfairly.

“Why should my client pay for the mistakes of the electoral body,” Sadiq’s counsel questioned. To substantiate the plea of his counsel, Sadiq told the court that he directed to pay for the expenses incurred during the re-election on the said constituency as well as the exercise made by the Nadra for finding out the record pertaining to the matter. The former NA Speaker alleged that he wrongly subjected to accusations for ensuring his victory in the elections.