Staff Reporter:
QUETTA: On Saturday, the Election Tribunal dismissed the fifth appeal challenging the nomination papers of former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan. Mr. Justice Muhammad Hashim Kakar of the Balochistan High Court, heading the Election Tribunal, announced the decision during Saturday’s session, rejecting the appeal against the approval of Jam Kamal’s nomination papers.
As Of Now ET Approved Over 200 Candidiates In Balochistan
As of now, the Election Tribunal has approved over 200 candidates in Balochistan, allowing them to participate in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.
During the sixth day of proceedings, the Election Tribunals convened at the BHC, addressing 17 appeals. Among these, the nomination papers of three candidates were approved, permitting them to contest in the upcoming election. Notably, the judge upheld the decision of the Returning Officer, affirming Jam Kamal’s eligibility as a candidate.
Jam Kamal has been contesting elections for both provincial and national assembly seats in the Lasbela and Hub districts of Balochistan.
A significant point raised during the hearing was brought up by Jam Kamal Khan’s lawyer, who highlighted that the term of Jam Kamal’s iqama had expired in 2018. Despite this argument, the tribunal ruled in favor of Jam Kamal, emphasizing the validity of his nomination.
Hearing Of Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s Appeals Adjourned Till January 8
Meanwhile, the hearing on the appeals of Sardar Akhtar Mengal for two national and one provincial assembly seat has been adjourned until January 8. Earlier, Mengal was permitted to contest the election for one national assembly seat.
Notably, objections have been raised regarding the iqama status of two former chief ministers. The Election Tribunal, led by Justice Hashim Kakar, concluded the hearing of the appeals during this session. In the process, the tribunal issued notices to the concerned parties for eight appeals while approving the nomination papers of three candidates, granting them the right to contest the election. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, shaping the landscape for the upcoming electoral process.
