SC seeks comments on validity of paper

Published September 11, 2002

ISLAMABAD, Sept 10: The Supreme Court on Monday observed that it would not pass any such order which may disturb the holding of general elections on Oct 10.

The court, however, issued notice to the candidates of NA 246 and 248 on the petition of Syed Iqbal Haider of Awami Himayat Tehreek.

The petitioner has approached the Supreme Court seeking direction that the nomination form be declared void. The court, however, asked the Election Commission to file its comments on the points raised in the petition.

Moulvi Iqbal Haider in his petition stated that he had not filed the nomination form in protest, as it empowered the non-Muslims to cross the column requiring them to declare they believed that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was the last prophet of Allah.

He further contended that the declaration that Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was the last prophet of Allah, was after the declaration of allegiance to the ideology of Pakistan.

His petition had been dismissed by the SHC and he filed an appeal in the Supreme Court.