LAHORE, Pakistan: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday approved nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Dr Yasmin Rashid and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Kalsoom Nawaz for upcoming by-election in Lahore’s NA-120 Constituency.
Meanwhile talking to media outside the Punjab Election Commission’s Office in Lahore, Dr Yasmin Rashid expressed hope that she would win the NA-120 by-polls to be held on September 17.
Yasmin Rashid also said that they raised 25 objections over nomination papers submitted with the ECP by PML-N’s Kalsoom Nawaz. She said that Kalsoom Nawaz didn’t fill all forms related to her nomination.
The PTI’s Candidate said that Kalsoom Nawaz has been the Deputy Chairman of ZE Company but she didn’t show the earnings received from the Company. She said that Kalsoom Nawaz cannot contest the election on PML-N ticket as following the disqualification of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the registration of the ruling party has terminated.
Furthermore, Dr Yasmin Rashid said that Kalsoom Nawaz has attached her Iqama in the nomination papers.
Meanwhile, the ECP also approved nomination papers of PML-N’s Kalsoom Nawaz, rejecting all reservations raised by the Opposition including the PTI.
The Returning Officer (RO) said after hearing arguments submitted by the lawyers of Opposition Parties that the Commission didn’t have enough time to investigate Kalsoom Nawaz’s nomination papers. He said that the Opposition can challenge the decision of the ECP in the appetite tribunal in the light of their reservation.
Briefly talking to media outside the Provincial Election Commission’s Office, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Asif Kirmani said that all objections imposed on Kalsoom Nawaz’s nomination papers were completely baseless.
“She (Kulsoom Nawaz) will return before by-election after medical check-up,” he added.
To a question, Asif Kirmani said that Nawaz Sharif was politicking based on principles, adding that he (Nawaz) did not change his stance rather he would continue to contribute towards national politics in time to come.
In addition, he said that the PML-N would contact all political parties including Pakistan people’s Party (PPP) for democracy in the country.
Earlier in the day, Kalsoom Nawaz left for London today via Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK 757 from Lahore for medical checkup.
It is pertinent to mention here that the ECP had summoned Kalsoom Nawaz at 03:00 pm today for scrutiny of her nomination papers.
Sources said that Kalsoom Nawaz will return to pakistan on September 23.
Earlier on Wednesday, the ECP scrutinized nomination papers of 29 Candidates for NA-120 by-election while it issued notices to Kulsoom Nawaz and Yasmin Rashid for Thursday (today).
Those Candidates, whose nomination papers have been rejected, can appeal till August 21, and withdraw their papers by August 25. The Election Commission will issue final list of Candidates on August 26.
