PPP leader's election hopes fizzle out after SC order

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed an appeal filed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Humayun Khan seeking its permission to contest the July 25 election from NA-151, Khanewal.

Mr. Khan approached the top court appealing against a ruling of the Lahore High Court (LHC) that upheld his disqualification by an election tribunal.

A bench of the apex court dismissed his appeal and held that his disqualification is not for life. He can contest election after paying off the dues outstanding against him, it ruled.

The PPP leader, who had filed nomination papers to contest election from Khanewal’s NA-151 constituency, was disqualified by the tribunal on the ground that he is a defaulter of Rs1.3 million.

Subsequently, he went to the high court, challenging his disqualification, but to no avail.

Then, he moved the appeal in the apex court pleading with it to allow him to contest the election.