An election tribunal in Peshawar, headed by Justice (R) Lal Jan Khatak, has dismissed the election petition filed by Taimur Saleem Jhagra, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed candidate for PK-79 (Peshawar 8), and upheld Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Jalalal Khan’s in the provincial assembly in the election.
The court concluded the hearing on Monday and rejected Jhagra’s plea. Barrister Yaseen Raza represented Khan in the case.
Read: PTI demands inquiry into Peshawar polls
In his petition, Jhagra argued that according to Form 45 he had won with a large majority, but Khan was declared successful under Form 47 despite receiving fewer votes. His lawyer argued that the election had been seriously rigged and the results rigged, with evidence present in the official record.
The petitioner told the court that as per the records on the record, he had secured a clear majority under Form 45, but the notice was issued in favor of Khan. He submitted a request to the returning officer, which was rejected, prompting him to approach the court. He requested the court to invalidate Khan’s victory and declare him the successful candidate.
Khan’s counsel told the court that the petitioner had ignored several important legal points and made several mistakes in the election petition, causing problems in the verification process. He stated that according to the election rules, anyone filing an election petition must present all the facts accurately on the record.
Read more: PHC rejects PTI MNA’s petition
The affidavit submitted by Jhagra incorrectly stated his father’s name as Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, whereas his correct name is Muhammad Saleem Khan. He argued that other legal requirements were also not met and that the petition should be dismissed on technical grounds.
After hearing all arguments, the court dismissed Jhagra’s election petition and upheld Khan’s victory.
