IHC orders to stop recounting of votes in six Karachi UCs

KARACHI: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to stop recounting of votes in six union councils (UCs) of Karachi, ARY News reported.

According to details, IHC Judge Ijaz Ishaq issued the order on a petition filed by Jamat-e-Islami (JI), challenging the ECP’s order of vote-recount in six union councils (UCs) – five of Karachi West and one of Karachi East.

The IHC, in its written order, stated that the Election Commission’s March 22 decision of vote-recount was challenged. “The court was informed that the recount was scheduled to be held today in six union councils,” it said, adding that if the counting occurred today, the petition will become ineffective.

Barring the ECP from holding recount, the court issued pre-admission notice to Election Commission for April 29.

Earlier on March 22, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced a verdict in the alleged rigging case and ordered the recounting of the votes in six Union Councils (UCs) of Karachi.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) filed a plea against the alleged rigging and irregularities in Local government (LG) polls. Following the plea, the ECP directed the recounting of votes in six Union Councils (UCs).

JI had challenged the result of six UCs which include Mominabad UC-3, Manghopir UC-12, Gulshan-e-Iqbal UC-1, Orangi UC-3, 7 and 8.