Supreme Court clears PTI's Sanaullah Mastikhel for NA 91 Bhakkar election

Islamabad, Jan 25 : The Supreme Court pf Pakistan (SCP) has granted permission to PTI leader Sanaullah Mastikhel to contest the upcoming election from NA 91 Bhakkar. The decision overturned the Lahore High Court Multan Bench's earlier ruling.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice inquired about the status of ballot paper printing from Election Commission officials. Responding to the query, the officials confirmed that the ballot papers are ready for printing. The court was informed by Mastikhel's lawyer that his name was initially included in the list, and the election mark had been assigned. Subsequently, the Supreme Court nullified the decision of the Lahore High Court Multan Bench and directed the Election Commission to include Mastikhel's name on the ballot papers.

In a related matter, Pervez Elahi, President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Chief Minister of Punjab, filed an appeal in the Supreme Court seeking to participate in the upcoming election. Elahi argued that his nomination papers were rejected based on objections raised by candidate Muhammad Salim. The objection claimed Elahi had shares in Lahore Modern Flour Mills, which, according to him, is not operational and lacks a bank account.

Elahi's application stated that he never purchased shares in the said flour mill, and its inactive status renders it a non-asset. He argued against being disqualified from the election based on this inactive asset, emphasizing that the intention behind non-disclosure of any asset should be examined. Elahi emphasized the principle that not every undisclosed asset should lead to disqualification and urged the annulment of the 2024 election decision.