Summary CJ LHC says services of returning officers given on the request of ECP.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – A bench headed by Chief Justice Lahore High Court Umar Ata Bandial heard PTI s petition regarding vote recounting in NA-122.
The lawyer of Ayaz Sadiq told the court that checking of voting record of NA-122 was allowed on the plea of (PTI) chief Imran Khan despite the fact that the role of Returning Officer (RO) ends after the elections.
Imran Khan’s lawyer took the stance that the returning officers enjoy the authority to inspect the record as example of NA-124 was there in this regard.
The Chief Justice remarked that the PTI blamed ROs of rigging the elections and it was demanding recounting to be conducted by the same officials.
He said the retuning officers were deputed in the interest of the country on the request of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The CJ further remarked that he courts were hearing thousands of case. He said the PTI alleged Returning Officers of rigging but never filed a petition in this regard.
The Chief Justice disposed of the case and referred it to ECP.
It should be noted that the current Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq of PMLN was declared winner from NA 122 with 93362 votes last year. Imran Khan got 84417 votes. Mr. Ayaz Sadiq has got a stay order against a recount from the last 9 months.
On Sunday, PTI chief Imran Khan while addressing a protest rally in Islamabad alleged that the PML-N government rigged general elections on May 11, 2013. He also blamed returning officers to be the part of the planning of rigging.
Last Wednesday, PTI workers created ruckus near a courtroom at Lahore High Court when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan arrived there to submit his response to the petition of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq regarding checking of the election record in NA-122.
The PTI workers created ruckus near the courtroom and broke door and flowerpots. After the incident, PTI lawyer tendered apology on behalf of the workers.
Chief Justice Lahore High Court Umar Ata Bandial expressed annoyance and ordered PTI’s lawyer to submit written reply.
The CJP had remarked that the courts respected all politicians but at the same time respecting the courts was also mandatory for all whether President or a politician.
