PML-N to challenge NA-125 tribunal decision in Supreme Court
80
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid and Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said the PML-N would challenge an election tribunal's decision that ordered re-polling in Lahore's NA-125.
Know more: Election tribunal orders re-election in NA-125, PP-155.
Speaking to media personnel, the senior PML-N leaders said Khawaja Saad Rafique was insistent that the party let him contest re-election on the seat.
"But after a party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, we decided this sets a dangerous precedent, where anyone can record a few irregularities to make the entire election void," said Ahsan Iqbal.
Iqbal said the party's legal team had advised pursuing the matter in the apex court.
Iqbal slammed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for "celebrating the tribunal's decision as a victory."
"We have been saying from day one that rules and procedures exist in Pakistan where PTI's grievances can be addressed. Today, they are celebrating the tribunal's decision; but the tribunal was there even during the dharna," said the PML-N leader.
Iqbal alleged that the PTI wanted to pose a threat to PML-N's polices and efforts to stabilise Pakistan's economy, which was why it was staging meaningless protests and hurling allegations without evidence.
"The detailed judgment on NA-125 does not indict us of organising rigging or any other illegal measures to make the process partial," said Iqbal.
Read more: PML-N mulls over options after verdict
Iqbal also said that the recent cantonment board elections had proven PML-N's popularity among the masses, adding that despite tall claims, the PTI was unable to defeat the PML-N.
"PML-N has maintained its popularity, while the PTI has lost seats in by-election after winning them during the 2013 general election," said Iqbal.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (80) Closed
May 06, 2015 07:31pm
Mr. Rasheed now what you will say about container.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:31pm
Right decision by pmln.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:32pm
Right decision. Tribunal decision was harsh.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:32pm
Belated but fairly revealing of the plight of PML N. NA-122 result is on the line.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:33pm
Big mistake from these so called PML(N) leadership. True face of their politics is exposed.
InshaAllah, Truth (IK / PTI) will prevail.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:34pm
What a stubborness.
Mr. Iqbal, are you saying that if you come to power using whatever means, its dangerous precedent to verify and re-election?
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:35pm
N League does not re-polling in July when the sun is most merciless.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:36pm
"Iqbal also said that the recent cantonment board elections had proven PML-N's popularity among the masses, adding that despite tall claims, the PTI was unable to defeat the PML-N." - I think you meant to say in Punjab not among the masses. You are non-existent outside the province.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:39pm
Inshallaah Saad Rafique will be reinstated. He is good man. Plus it's not his fault that ECP staff was incopetent
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:41pm
Why govt is spending tax payer money on pmln high level meeting why saad is so important
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:43pm
Re-election is much better option than going into such trials.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:50pm
Oh dear! there is big a difference between Election Tribunal and Judicial Commission.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:51pm
Come on Nawaz and party if you really feel that no rigging took place then let reelection take place to prove that you were right and IK was wrong. Secondly why should they worry when they scored high in cantonment election. It looks like that the decision has shaken PML-N and they having started talking nonsense like to destabilizing of economy by PTI. Can anyone ask them which economy they are referring to?
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 07:51pm
@Nisar ahmad Yeah! really harsh. It has shown mirror to Saad Rafiq and his cronies.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 08:09pm
People who have spent millions of rupees to win election to reap billions are most worried
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 08:17pm
Niazi will once more face disappointment...
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 08:28pm
Dharna has stopped the free corruption policy of PML-N; made them to deliver. Dharna gave a lot of political awareness. Before people were silently watching the plundering of wealth by PML-N as described by Benazir in 90s.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 08:42pm
Move on don't waste Nation's time o.ln useless.issues.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 08:44pm
Challenge to supreme court, does this guy knows supreme judges are already in this judicial commissions!
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 08:54pm
Why they did not go for re election shows that they know they can not win fairly.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:10pm
I don't need this fight. I want job, electricity, clean water, security, safety, standard education for children, JUSTICE.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:16pm
PML-N should accept the result of tribunal. if they are not ready to accept the results oe decisions of tribunal then why made it.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:17pm
N League is afraid of an election like in NA 246 for obvious reasons. This time army will be inside and outside polling stations and there will be no cheating opportunity.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:20pm
For a party which had been advising PTI to accept the election verdict, they can not accept a verdict of the election tribunal
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:22pm
@Ghazanfar Sanpal PLUS, why don't they take the ROs to court instead of challenging the decision?
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:29pm
Definitely, they will challenge this because they are sure about their imminent defeat in the re-election.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:30pm
PML-N should accept the result of tribunal.If they are not ready to accept it than why made a tribunal for investigation.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:37pm
Didnt they say we will accept everything from tribunal?
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:44pm
"But after a party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, we decided this sets a dangerous precedent, where anyone can record a few irregularities to make the entire election void," said Ahsan Iqbal.
Two questions on this statement:
Has the entire election been voided? or just one seat.
What is dangerous precedent ? to record irregularities or the decision of the tribunal? in both cases, if it is dangerous, why not change the rules ?
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:48pm
Its PMLN decision on how to address this situation. They could have opted to go for a re-election but decided for the other option. I can't understand why people complaining about this. They are perfectly entitled, as true for others as well, to challenge the ET decisions in a higher court. I think they feel that after cantonment board elections, they don't need to prove their mandate.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:50pm
Soooooo they are afraid of a re- election!
Just keep on delaying, but Tribunal is not that dumb to understand their tactics.
Lies and coverup is enough to debar this Minister for ever.
PML people are typically cheats and twist the processes using their current power in the Govt.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:51pm
'Only those who are guilty , run away from a challenge'. PML-N is running away, and proving they are guilty. PTI should now ensure a clean up of the voting system, as the next Government is theirs.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:56pm
"We have been saying from day one that rules and procedures exist in Pakistan where PTI's grievances can be addressed"
So follow the rules and go for reelection? Looks like PMLN are running scared of reelection. They know they can't win without "irregularities".
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 09:56pm
@IMRAN ALI - Are n't we lucky, you finally recognized him as a NIazi.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:27pm
Pmln should start packing now.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:28pm
So I guess, when they said they are forming JC and they will accept, it's decision, they meant only if decision was in their favor.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:29pm
@Zahid
yes but he got elected bcoz of these mistakes.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:33pm
@Khwaja
I am with your brother.
Foreign Minister and prime minister Nawaz Sharif is afraid of giving powers to others after what Musharaf did to him.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:36pm
@Salman following the rules PMLN can also go to court, since irregularities were not caused by PMLn but the ECP staff. The tribunal is clear that there is no proof that rigging or any wrong doing by PMLn.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:39pm
Why ministers are so hostile when cantonment board elections had proven PML-N's popularity among the masses and the PTI has lost seats in by-election
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:40pm
The world is going ahead with business and planning for the future and all and here we are still harping on the elections conducted in 2013 and all this due to stupidity and false ego of one man, IK.
Does the whole country has to be stopped due to some irregularities?
Grow up.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:41pm
@Haroon "Why they did not go for re election shows that they know they can not win fairly."
Keep on dreaming its your right.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:51pm
@Shaheed Faiz In case of Pakistan Punjab in 65 % other provinces do not have any impact. Unlike in India, where no one state can impact the federal government alone.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:53pm
@Khwaja Nobody can give you this, you have to create own chances, honestly if you are serious don't waste time reading newspaper get up and create your future.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:55pm
@Nisar ahmad Truth is harsh, most of the time!
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:56pm
@Proud Pakistani
And pmln can keep running....that is there right :)
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 10:58pm
@Zahid
Yes, they can follow rules. Actually I don'tblame pmln of being scared of rreelections. But next time they should change their symbol from lion to chicken :)
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 11:24pm
it is useless to cry over split milk
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 11:25pm
SC will reinstate and the game will continue from there for another 3 years till next election will held. Such a shame.
Recommend
0
May 06, 2015 11:37pm
The intention was not to unseat Saad Rafiq....it was to prove that the election process was faulty and susceptible to fraud.......and that has been established. Saad Rafiq is just collateral damage.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 12:02am
Why cry over spilled milk. The whole election had irregularities as per the ECP report.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 12:20am
PML(N) is flexing muscles to counter and hide their sin.Transfer PML's review case to Mumbai court which has sentenced Salman Khan for 5 years.This is to be treated as neutral court. Now a days v r vastly using neutral empires in cricket of different countries so why not neighbor's neutral court.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 12:24am
PTI IK zindabad. PTI will hit the 2nd wickit strongly and wicket will brake. PTI should file for third wicket. Let PMLN to stand on container just just for 127 days
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 12:37am
@WAJID KHAN truth?? seriously?? IK is by far the biggest liar the politics of Pakistan has ever seen. The lies and fabrications, exploiting the sentiments of masses by hollow but popular slogans and promises, conspiring in collusion with undemocratic forces, defaming others by hurling accusations without the tiniest shred of evidence are the traits of this self righteous politician. The world will see him for what he really is, sooner or later, but the laws of nature dictate that he will not get away with it and all these deeds will come back to haunt him.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 12:51am
@Shaheed Faiz 4 seats in Karachi Cantt, 3 seats in KPK, 1 in Baluchistan, PML-N is only party in all provinces.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 01:03am
"we decided this sets a dangerous precedent, where anyone can record a few irregularities to make the entire election void,"
few? really? Where does PMLN folks get their news from?
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 01:24am
@Khwaja ...I order to get all these ( job, electricity, clean water, security, safety, standard education for children, JUSTICE) you need this fight .... to bring awareness among you and me to value the power of our vote and to eliminate manipulation of votes
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 01:28am
@KM ..Nothing is stopped in the country ... what are you talking about ... didn't the shops in your neighborhood open every day ... kids go to school every morning, people go to work and so on ... what kind of delusion do you PMLN followers live in ???
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 01:29am
@Maqsood container party.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 01:54am
All staged ... Pmln loosed this seat just to make sure they take ayaz sadiq seat decision in their favour. Then pti will not be able to make any cry. pti have already fallen in the trap.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 01:56am
in wake of Mr Press Release's favorite time pass, are we heading for another Dharna to stop PMLN for going to SC or we will be witnessing another collision of PMLN with judiciary and eventually Army to restore any semblance of non-volatile situation.
after two Khawajas seems sooner Ehsan Iqbal and Parvez Rasheed will next in line for an exit from PMLN.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 02:23am
it is really sad just to cover each other all politician are wasting our money. find a way to save money and bring good people to power
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 04:35am
@Zahid so he is a good man so why were some people casting multiple votes were they by affected by amnesia or they were paid to do so if that is the then guilty party should be punished
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 04:59am
they will fail in the Superior courts
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 05:01am
Why they did not go for re election shows that they know they can not win fairly
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 05:02am
If Saad Rafiqur looses this election, his political era will become very very weak. Saad has chamce to win this seat again....
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 05:47am
It is PMLN right to go to Supreme court if that would be rig supreme court will also have the same decision. I think PMLN has right ofd appeal .
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 06:33am
railway minister got derailed. N league lost credibility. I think the results of this case will be same in supreme court. Results of election tribunal proved that imran khan was on right. According to saad rafique that was some irregularities not rigging. ... what a joke .
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 07:10am
There is no gas in residential areas of Islamabad since yesterday. Government should focus on such issues rather than focusing all efforts to protect one seat.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 07:16am
Few irregularities? Each person casted 6 votes on average.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 07:22am
A well thought-out decision by the ruling league. The decision to involve Sc will not only indulge them in legal battle against the dharna people but also buy them some time to chart out their next strategy if SC also verdicts in favour of re-election.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 07:56am
clearest proof that they rigged it.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 08:32am
I'm surprised at the decision of PMLN. The election tribunal gave them a safe exit after declaring rigging as irregularities. I wish supreme court nominates the culprits of rigging and serves them harsh punishment to the satisfaction of PMLN.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 09:01am
The factor of fear is shaping the behavior of these vatern politicians. They dont know legally every court has same criteria, same evidence based decisions either it is election commision or suprem court. Why they dont believe on law? Could they manipulate the decision in apex court?
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 10:24am
Going to SC because N league has fear of losing seat, as they are well aware that they can engage SC for 3 years and gain the time for .........
Further, I understand that N league still trying to hide behind container. Instead of showing guts to improve the living standard of the people of Pakistan, they are only doing politics and nothing on ground every thing is on paper as economic indicators are not fair enough.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 10:41am
Sadly, the ruling elite is continuously deflecting the issue of its involvement. Is it not enough, that the beneficiary of the so called irregularity every time will be the PML(N)? If that be so, then please draw the logical conclusion. They have done it but not smartly. Pakistanis know that PML(n), has been ruling and surviving on stay orders. The previous full term of the CM Punjab was on stay order.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 10:58am
Who will bear the expenses of futile legal battle ? PML(N) or Khawaja Saad or public money !!
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 11:08am
Going to the Supreme Court is their right. Cannot understand the drama these PML N people have to indulge in. Pervez Rashid's total job description is to criticise Imran all day long. Is he not a Federal Minister? Should he not be working? Does he not get paid?
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 11:10am
Its sad that Federal Ministers are needed to hold a press conference to tell us that they are appealing the verdict. Saad Rafique's lawyer could have done it in 45 seconds.
Recommend
0
May 07, 2015 11:22am
@Malick PTI needs to stop playing cricket and start working for the nation. Politics clearly isn't cricket else PTI should be majority in the NA and Imran as pm. But these illusions go grandeur won't come to pass as you need action to back up your promises. Instead of doing so Imran just changes his stance continually
Recommend
0
