SC suspends LHC verdict over nullification of nomination forms

LAHORE (92 News) – The Supreme Court (SC) suspended on Sunday the order of the Lahore High Court (LHC) over the nullification of nomination forms of the electoral candidates for the upcoming general elections. A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heard the case at SC Registry Lahore. Former National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) filed petitions earlier in the day challenging the LHC's rulings on the nomination forms. Ayaz Sadiq and the ECP had filed petitions challenging the high court’s ruling. According to them, the ruling would delay elections. They said they approached the apex court as they did not want the elections to be postponed. Saqib Nisar announced the verdict that nullified that Lahore High Court’s order. However, the CJP remarked that elections would be conducted as per the schedule on July 25. He said that if the elections were delayed then only the ECP will be responsible. After the verdict, the Election Commission announced that candidates can file nomination papers between June 4 and June 8. The list of candidates will be displayed on June 8. There is no other change in the election schedule, said the commission. Earler on Friday, the LHC had nullified the nomination forms of the electoral candidates for the upcoming general elections. It had ruled that the nomination forms of the electoral candidates do not seek crucial information and declarations such as educational and criminal backgrounds and dual nationality. The LHC also ordered ECP to again add the requirements of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution in the nomination papers.