Supreme Court Grants Permission to Pervez Elahi for Election in PP-32
Islamabad, Jan 26: The Supreme Court has granted permission to Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, the central president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Chief Minister of Punjab, to contest elections from Provincial Assembly constituency PP-32, Gujrat.
This decision came after a three-member bench, headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, heard an appeal against the rejection of Pervez Elahi's nomination papers. The court ruled in favor of Pervez Elahi, overturning the decision to reject his candidacy and allowing him to participate in the upcoming elections.
During the hearing, Pervez Elahi's lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, informed the court that they had not yet received the complete order from the Returning Officer. The objection raised on the nomination papers highlighted the absence of separate accounts for election expenses in each constituency.
Justice Athar Minallah pointed out that the law specifies opening separate accounts for each electoral constituency. In response, the lawyer argued that if election expenses exceed the limit, accounts are scrutinized after the elections. Notably, Pervez Elahi is contesting elections from five different constituencies.
The court, led by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, emphasized discussing legal matters and urged to leave aside other issues. Another objection was raised regarding the alleged concealment of ownership of a 10-marla plot in Punjab. The objection stated that the plot was purchased on November 20, 2023, a time when Pervez Elahi was in jail, and his client had never bought such a plot.
Justice Athar Minallah remarked on the importance of clarifying the assets for public awareness, while Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel suggested revealing the name of the concerned Patwari. In response, the lawyer asserted that they were ready for government objection but expressed a desire to avoid any delay in the elections.
The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, granted Pervez Elahi permission to contest elections from Provincial Assembly constituency PP-32, Gujrat. This decision allows him to actively participate in the democratic process, emphasizing the importance of adherence to election laws.
