Supreme Court upholds tribunal’s decision of vote recount in PB-45

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the verdict of Election Tribunal ordering recounting of votes in 15 polling stations of PB-45 constituency of Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The Supreme Court also disposed of a petition filed by Ali Madad Jatttak challenging the decision of the Election Tribunal.

During the hearing, Justice Aqeel Abbasi while addressing Advocate Shehzad Shoukat observed that the allegations in this case were about the difference between the Form 45 and Form 47.

Justice Aqeel Abbasi further said that surprisingly both sides raised questions about the Form 45. The counsel said that only four photocopies of the Form 45 were attached.

Justice Aqeel Abbasi said that one copy was enough, while Justice Irfan Saadat said that allegations raised in the petition are of serious nature as ballot papers were suddenly disappeared just one night before the polling.

Advocate Shahzad Shaukat said that whatever the ET judge observed in his decision was baseless and without any evidence.

Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi interfered saying 16 witnesses had recorded their statements in this case.

PB-21 repolling case referred to ECP

The Supreme Court accepted appeal of PPP’s Ali Hassan Zahri regarding repolling of votes in PB-21 constituency of Balochistan and referred the case to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The apex court directed the ECP to hear the repolling case afresh and take a decision.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori