The Islamabad High Court on Monday accepted the nomination papers of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, a joint candidate of allied parties in the National Assembly in the election for the coveted post of president, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
PPP leader Farooq H. Naek, who went to the IHC for scrutiny of the nomination papers, said that nobody raised any objection to Asif Zardari’s candidature.
Later speaking to the media, Naek said that Asif Zardari enjoyed the support of required number of national and provincial lawmakers and expressed the optimism that he would go on to become the country’s president for the second time.
Meanwhile, objection has been raised to the nomination papers of PTI-SIC presidential candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai on which the IHC reserved its verdict.
The odds are in favour of Asif Zardari despite Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) strong candidate against the PPP leader. The SIC had nominated veteran politician from Balochistan, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) President Mahmood Khan Achakzai, as their candidate for the presidential election.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) election winners had now joined the SIC.
Though the numbers are in favour of former president Asif Zardari but the mere nomination of the seasoned Baloch politician has turned the race quite interesting.
PTI founder chairman Imran Khan has endorsed Mahmood Khan Achakzai as their nominee for the constitutional petition.
On March 5, candidates successfully nominated will be able to retrieve their papers, and the ECP will simultaneously release the final list of presidential contenders.
Voting for the presidential election is scheduled to take place on March 9 at the Parliament House and the four provincial assemblies.
The chief justices of the high courts will serve as the presiding officers for the presidential election. IHC Chief Justice Amer Farooq has assumed the role of presiding officer at the Parliament House in Islamabad for the upcoming election.
It is pertinent to note that Achakzai won the National Assembly seat from NA-266 in Chaman.
Asif Zardari contacts Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
Ahead of presidential election, Asif Zardari on Monday made a telephonic contact with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
During the conversation, the PPP leader reportedly sought support of MQM-P members for the presidential election which are going to be held on March 9.
Both leaders agreed to enhance their contacts. Soon a PPP delegation will meet MQM-P leaders and will formally seek their votes for presidential election.
Reporters: Usman Khan and Ajiz Jamali