The Supreme Court of Pakistan has restored the Election Commission’s decision to recount votes in three constituencies of the National Assembly.
A distinguished three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, and comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi, presided over the hearing.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court reinstated the membership of PML-N’s Azhar Qayyum, Abdul Rehman Kanju, and Zulfikar Ahmad.
The Court overturned the Lahore High Court’s decision regarding the success of independent candidates in NA-79, NA-81, and NA-154, reaffirming the PML-N candidates’ victories as determined by the Election Commission recount.
By nullifying the Lahore High Court’s judgment, the Supreme Court underscored the Election Commission’s authority in vote recounting.
The appeals of the PML-N candidates were approved, with the Court delivering a prudent decision by a majority of 2:1.
Justice Aqeel Abbasi expressed dissent regarding the majority decision.
The Supreme Court, in its majority decision, stated that the Election Commission is a constitutional institution deserving of respect. It was noted that the judges of the Lahore High Court made unnecessary remarks towards the head of the Election Commission and its members. Consequently, the decision of the Lahore High Court cannot be upheld.
Notably, Faraz Noon in NA 154, Bilal Ejaz in NA 81, and Ehsan Work in NA 79 were initially declared successful.
PML-N’s Abdul Rehman Kanju, Azhar Qayyum Nahra, and Zulfiqar Ahmed submitted a recount request to the Election Commission.
Following the recount, the Election Commission declared the three PML-N candidates successful.
Independent members challenged the Election Commission’s decision in the Lahore High Court.
The Lahore High Court annulled the Election Commission’s decision and declared the independent candidates successful.
Subsequently, members of the PML-N approached the Supreme Court to appeal the Lahore High Court’s decision.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court declared the three PML-N National Assembly members successful.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, PML-N National Assembly members Azhar Qayyum Nahra, Abdul Rehman Kanju, and Zulfiqar Ahmed were reinstated.