SC dismisses petition seeking disqualification of PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a constitutional petition seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Imran Khan for allegedly concealing mandatory details in his nomination papers for the July 25 elections.

Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry approached the apex court seeking disqualification of the prime minister under article 62 of the Constitution.

As the matter came up for hearing today, the petitioner told the bench that he wanted to withdraw his petition. The bench granted his request and dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

The petitioner had earlier contended that the premier concealed essential facts in his nomination papers for the July 25 polls. As per article 62 of the Constitution, Imran Khan is not eligible to hold a public office, he argued.

On Saturday, Pakistan Justice and Democratic Party’s Abdul Wahab Baloch filed a petition before the election tribunal of the Lahore High Court, requesting it to declare the PM’s win from NA-95 seat void.

The petitioner alleged that Mr Khan concealed essential details, especially about his children, in his nomination papers.

He submitted that an assembly aspirant is required to submit a statement of his own assets and liabilities and those of his wife and dependent children. However, the PTI chief failed to disclose details of the properties his wife and sons owned.

Therefore, the petitioner argued, the premier stands disqualified under Article 62 (1)(d), (e) and (f) and Article 63(1) (o) & (p) of the Constitution.

He pleaded with the tribunal to declare the prime minister’s win from NA-95 void and direct the Election Commission of Pakistan to de-notify him as member of the National Assembly.