The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s candidature from NA-57 and gave the PML-N leader clearance to contest in the upcoming election.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar inquired about the petitioner’s motivation, asking if he himself was contesting from the same constituency.
The petitioner, Masood Ahmed Abbasi, stated that he was concerned about the case in his capacity as a voter. To which the CJP expressed his displeasure.
He further remarked that the petitioner’s presence was derailing the judicial process as he had been unable to produce any evidence before the court.
“A loan worth Rs 25 million was taken against a property worth Rs 0.3 million and the value of that property was listed in the income tax returns, as well as in the nomination papers.”
Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had allowed the Abbasi to contest the upcoming elections from the same constituency.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi, suspended the appellate tribunal’s judgment and allowed Abbasi’s candidature.
Published in Daily Times, July 14th 2018.
