ISLAMABAD: The former prime minister and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has escalated his battle to participate in the upcoming elections by approaching the Supreme Court.
This move comes in response to the rejection of his nomination papers in two constituencies, NA-89 and NA-122.
Legal appeals have been lodged on Khan’s behalf to challenge decisions made by returning officers, the election tribunal, and the high court, all of which initially rejected his nomination papers citing disqualification under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution. This specific article pertains to disqualification for holding an office of profit while serving as a member of parliament.
Khan’s legal team contends that the notification of his disqualification is inherently flawed. They argue that Article 63(1)(h) necessitates evidence of “moral culpability,” a requirement they assert is lacking in Khan’s case. They further claim that Khan’s conviction in the Toshakhana case does not have moral grounds and should not be a valid basis for disqualification.
In light of these arguments, the appeals urge the Supreme Court to declare the decisions of the returning officers, the Election Tribunal, and the High Court null and void. If successful, this would clear the path for Khan to contest the elections in the specified constituencies.
Khan’s legal maneuver comes amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan in the lead-up to the crucial elections. The PTI’s assertion of unjust disqualification introduces an additional layer of complexity to the electoral process. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision on these appeals will be closely monitored, given its potential to significantly impact Khan’s political trajectory and the overall results of the elections.
