RAWALPINDI: The appellate tribunal of Justice Ibadur Rehman Lodhi of Lahore High Court (LHC) here on Thursday issued notice to former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi directing him to appear before it on two appeals filed against the acceptance of his nomination papers from NA-57 Murree.

The tribunal also directed the returning officer (RO) to submit record of the case. The appellants, Masood Ahmed Abbasi and Mohammad Umar, alleged that the former prime minister had compromised national security by supporting a disputed interview of Nawaz Sharif.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad a counsel for PTI Chairman Imran Khan requested the appellate tribunal to set aside the order of a returning officer and enable him to contest the election from NA-53.

Dr Babar Awan completed preliminary arguments before Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, the presiding officer of the tribunal.

The counsel argued that the RO would have rectified a minor mistake as under the law he was authorised to make correction in the affidavit or nomination papers.

The RO, Mohammad Adnan Khan, rejected the nomination papers of the PTI chairman since he had not mentioned his contribution for his previous constituency of NA-56 Rawalpindi.

The counsel suggested that his client’s philanthropic work should be considered as his contribution for NA-56.

The PTI chief in his appeal stated that no funding, schemes or projects were allotted to him as both the federal and Punjab governments were hostile towards him.

According to Dr Awan, the nomination papers of Mr Khan were rejected on whimsical and unfounded grounds.

After hearing the preliminary arguments, the tribunal adjourned further proceeding to Friday (today).

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2018