LAHORE: An appellate tribunal of the Lahore High Court on Friday issued notices to the returning officers (ROs) on appeals against the acceptance of nomination papers of former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif from NA-132 and PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz from NA-119.

Shahid Orakzai, the appellant, assailed the candidature of Mr Shehbaz on the basis of his alleged involvement in the 1997 attack on the Supreme Court.

The appellant submitted that the Islamabad police, in an inquiry filed to the apex court, had identified Shehbaz, who was then Punjab chief minister, and then prime minister Nawaz Sharif as two top powerful persons seriously involved in the attack.

He said the tribunal is empowered to verify the facts from the inquiry report, which is in possession of the Supreme Court`s registrar.

He asked the tribunal to set aside the RO’s decision and reject the nomination papers of Shehbaz from NA-132, besides cancelling the votes of his proposer and seconder.

Appellant Nadeem Altaf Khan challenged the acceptance of Ms Nawaz’s nomination papers accusing her of not disclosing complete details of her properties.

The tribunal comprising Justice Rasaal Hassan Syed sought replies from the respective ROs by Jan 8.

The tribunal issued a notice to the RO of NA-122, Lahore, on an appeal of Advocate Khurram Latif Khosa, challenging rejection of his nomination papers.

The tribunal also issued notices to the ROs of NA-199 and PP-150 on the appeals of jailed PTI social media activist Sanam Javed against rejection of her nomination papers from the two constituencies.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2024