HARIPUR, Sept 3: An election petition seeking disqualification of Omar Ayub Khan, son of former federal minister, Gohar Ayub Khan, was dismissed by the returning officer for NA-19.

The petitioner pleaded that since Omar Ayub Khan did not fulfil  the requirements laid down in Article 62 of  the Constitution, he stood disqualified.

In a short order, the judge dismissed the application on the ground that when the nomination papers of a candidate were accepted or rejected, there was no jurisdiction under the election laws for a returning officer to reopen the case.

Article 62 (e) defines the eligibility of a candidate under “Qualifications and disqualification  for membership of parliament” as “he has adequate knowledge of Islamic teachings and practices obligatory duties prescribed by Islam as well as abstains from major sins”.

The objection was filed by Syed Waqar Hussain Shah, another contender  for  the National Assembly seat.  He  expressed dissatisfaction over the court order and decided to appeal the decision.