Islamabad Election Tribunal orders strict compliance in rigging case

The Islamabad Election Tribunal has issued a written order in response to applications alleging electoral rigging in three constituencies of the capital city, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Monday.

Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri has mandated hearings for the cases of Ali Bukhari, Shoaib Shaheen, and Aamir Mughal on consecutive days starting May 28. The tribunal has also served notices to Anjum Aqeel Khan, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Raja Khurram Nawaz, demanding their replies to the allegations.

In a detailed directive, the tribunal has sought a report from the Registrar's Office about the notices previously dispatched on May 2. Furthermore, the respondents are required to submit the original forms 45, 46, and 47, along with affidavits, within a week of the May 2 order. The tribunal has also instructed the involved parties to provide written statements and para-wise comments within the same timeframe.

The tribunal has ordered the publication of advertisements in major newspapers and channels to summon the respondents, with the costs to be borne by the petitioners.

The tribunal warned of unilateral action should there be no response. Additionally, the Election Tribunal has requested the submission of results from the Election Management System as provided by the Election Commission's Presiding Officers.

The tribunal has made it clear that the failure of the returning officers to appear at the next hearing will result in the issuance of arrest warrants, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the tribunal's commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation into the rigging claims.