ISLAMABAD: The Islam­abad High Court (IHC) on Friday referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) identical petitions seeking recount of votes in different constituencies.

Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC heard the petitions challenging the results issued by the ECP in 24 constituencies of the national and provisional assemblies. Seven petitions have been adjourned till Monday (Aug 6).

The court dismissed the petitions filed by Aijaz Khan Jakhrani and Abdul Karim Khetran since they were seeking relief against the orders of returning officers (ROs) of their respective constituencies.

Justice Farooq was of the view that since the ROs were the officers of judicial services of provincial high courts, the court could not issue verdict against them for want of jurisdiction.

The court also disposed of petitions of Abdul Hakeem Baloch from NA-237 (Malir), Sohail Mansoor from NA-239 (Karachi), Nawab Ali Wasan from PS-32 (Khairpur), Shiraz Shaukat from PS-29 (Khairpur), Rana Abdul Sattar from PS-46 (Sanghar), Mashooq Ali from PS-41 (Sanghar), Ziaul Hassan Lanjar from PS-36 (Naushero Feroze), Ali Afzal Sahi from PP-97 (Faisalabad), Asrar Ahmed Khan from PP-111 (Faisalabad), Malik Qasim Khan Khattak from PS-86 (Karak), Haji Zahidullah from PK-87 (Bannu) and Malik Adnan from PK-90 (Bannu).

The petitioners were seeking recount of votes in their respective constituencies and alleged that the July 25 elections were rigged.

Petitioner Ali Asghar Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf claimed that his opponent was declared returned candidate in fraudulent and rigged counting.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Khan — who is son of former air chief Asghar Khan — said that initially he won the election with a lead of 6,000 votes but after recount, his opponent Murtaza Javed Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was declared as returned candidate with a lead of over 12,000 votes.

Referring the cases to ECP, the court in its order said: “The Election Commission of Pakistan while hearing of petitions if so feels that there are cogent grounds and the notifications with respect to constituency in question is to be withheld, may order so accordingly.”

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2018