PESHAWAR: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday set aside the order of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and declared Federal Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s brother Umar Amin Gandapur eligible to contest DI Khan LG polls.
The IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the petition against the disqualification of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Umar Amin Gandapur. The court said the Election Commission should have first imposed a fine before issuing the order of his disqualification for another violation of election code of conduct.
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The court had reserved judgment on the disqualification of PTI leaders Umar Amin Gandapur and Shah Mohammad, which was pronounced a few hours later. Chief Justice Athar Minallah issued a summary judgment, declaring the order of ECP “null and void” but upheld the order against federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The ECP has imposed fine on Gandapur and warned him against participation in the election campaign.
Similarly, the disqualification of provincial minister Shah Mohammad was also declared null and void.
Shah Mohammad’s lawyer argued that his political rival has leveled the allegations which are not “true”. “The complainant, Mohabbat Khan, was not present when the polling station was attacked,” The lawyer said. He added Khan is an activist of Jamiat Ulema Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) and was directly responsible for the tragedy. The lawyer informed that the people of the area are strong supporters of JUI-F. The ECP has also disqualified his son for five years however, the IHC decision is limited only to Shah Mohammad’s disqualification.
The election on the DI Khan mayor seat are scheduled for 13 February which were postponed by the ECP after the murder of the Awami National Party candidate Umar Khitab Sherani a day before election on 18 December.