KARACHI, June 23: Sindh Election Tribunal, comprising Justice Zawar Hussain Jaffery of the Sindh High Court, on Monday reserved the judgment on an election petition of the Pakistan People Party Parliamentarian (PPPP), against MNA Hakim Qari Gul Rehman of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), after concluding of the final arguments by both sides.

PPPP’s losing candidate, Iftekhar Hussain, questioned the Sanad of MMA’s returned candidate, submitting it was not equivalent to graduation, alleging rigging during polling in the National Assembly constituency NA-239, Karachi.

Khawja Naveed Ahmed advocate represented the petitioner, while Khawaja Sharf-ul-Islam advocate appeared on behalf of respondent.

The Tribunal also heard the election petition of the National Alliance (NA) losing candidate, Syed Mohammad Shah, against MPA, Marvi Mazarul Haq of the PPPP and adjourned the matter for August 19, 2003, after deposition of petitioner and a witness.

The petitioner has challenged results of Sindh assembly constituency PS-74, Dadu-IV.

Syed Muhammad Shah and Karamullah today recorded their statement before the tribunal and were cross-examined by respondent’s counsel, Abdul Ghafoor Mangi.

Meanwhile, Election Tribunal, headed by Justice Muhammad Moosa K Leghari of the SHC, adjourned hearing of an election petition of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) against MPA, Mir Mehboob Ali of the PPPP, as the petitioner completed its side.

PML (Q)’s losing candidate Jamil Ahmed, who challenged results of PS-67, MirpurKhas-IV, along with three other witnesses, recorded statements. Respondent’s counsel, Abdul Hafeez Lakho, cross-examined the witnesses.

The tribunal fixed June 30, 2003, for next hearing, in which respondent’s counsel will file an affidavit on behalf of his client.—PPI