An election tribunal in Peshawar, headed by Justice (R) Lal Jan Khatak, dismissed the election petition filed by Taimur Saleem Jhagra, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed candidate for PK-79 (Peshawar 8), and upheld the victory of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Jalal Khan in the provincial assembly elections.
The court concluded the hearing on Monday and rejected Jhagra’s petition. Lawyer Yaseen Raza represented Khan in the case.
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In his petition, Jhagra argued that according to Form 45, he had won by a large majority, but Khan was declared the winner in Form 47 despite receiving fewer votes. His lawyer argued that the elections were grossly rigged and the results manipulated, with evidence contained in official records.
The petitioner told the court that according to court records, he had obtained a clear majority under Form 45, but the notice was issued in favor of Khan. He submitted an application to the returning officer, which was rejected, prompting him to approach the court. He asked the court to invalidate Khan’s victory and declare him the successful candidate.
Khan’s lawyer told the court that the petitioner ignored several important legal points and made multiple errors in the election petition, causing problems in the verification process. He said that according to election rules, anyone filing an election petition must present all the facts accurately on record.
Learn more: PHC rejects PTI MP’s petition
The affidavit submitted by Jhagra wrongly stated his father’s name as Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, while his correct name is Muhammad Saleem Khan. He argued that other legal requirements were also not met and that, for technical reasons, the application should be rejected.
After hearing all the arguments, the court rejected Jhagra’s election petition and upheld Khan’s victory.
