In Islamabad, the Supreme Court has granted permission for Parvez Elahi to run for elections in a specific constituency. A three-member bench, led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, reviewed the appeal against the rejection of PTI central president and former Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervez Elahi’s nomination papers. The court overturned the decision to reject the papers, allowing Parvez Elahi to participate in the elections.
The Supreme Court specifically permitted Parvez Elahi to contest from the PP-32 Gujrat Provincial Assembly Constituency, instructing the inclusion of his name and election symbol on the ballot paper. Subsequently, Parvez Elahi withdrew from all other constituencies.
During the hearing, Parvez Elahi’s lawyer, Faisal Siddiqui, informed the court that they had not received the complete order from the returning officer. The objection to the nomination papers was centered around the alleged failure to open separate accounts for election expenditure in each constituency, as Parvez Elahi was contesting from five constituencies.
Justice Athar Minullah questioned the requirement for opening five separate accounts, stating that the law doesn’t explicitly mandate it. The lawyer argued that if there were concerns about excessive campaign expenditure, the accounts could be audited post-election. Justice Jamal Khan Mandukhel urged the focus to be on legal matters rather than extraneous issues.
The lawyer addressed an objection about the concealment of ownership of a 10-marla plot in Punjab, allegedly purchased on November 20, 2023. He argued that Parvez Elahi was in jail at that time and had not acquired such a plot. The lawyer further pointed out that the cut-off date for asset disclosure is June 30, 2024.
Justice Athar Minullah emphasized interpreting the Election Act to protect people’s rights. Justice Jamal Khan Mandukhel clarified that property details are sought to understand candidates’ assets before and after winning. If the ownership of the plot is disputed, it can be addressed without hindering the election process.
The lawyer revealed the sudden revelation of undeclared property belonging to Parvez Elahi, Munis Elahi, and Qaisara Elahi. Justice Jamal Mandukhel suggested donating the extra property to charity. The lawyer expressed a willingness to address any government objections to the property.
Emphasizing the desire to avoid election delays, the lawyer requested permission for Parvez Elahi to contest only from PP-32 Gujarat. Justice Jamal Khan Mandukhel questioned how the opposing candidate’s lawyer obtained the 10-marla plot document, revealing it was received from a patwari. Justice Athar Manullah raised the possibility of government involvement and requested the patwari’s name.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court granted Parvez Elahi permission to contest the election from PP-32 Gujrat Provincial Assembly Constituency.