ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif following a petition by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidate Yasmin Rashid challenging the election results of NA-130 Lahore.
During the hearing, Yasmin Rashid’s counsel alleged that police entered the returning officer’s office at 10:30 pm while compiling Form 47. The counsel claimed that their polling agent was forcibly expelled, and the returning officer was replaced during the night.
According to the counsel, the result was subsequently prepared by the new returning officer despite Form 45 indicating a 20,000-vote lead for Yasmin Rashid.
The lawyer pointed out discrepancies, noting that while TV channels were reporting Rashid’s victory, 101,000 votes were allegedly cast in favor of Nawaz Sharif from 33 polling stations, indicating significant irregularities.
After considering the argument, the ECP issued a notice to Nawaz Sharif and requested a report from the returning officer. The hearing of the case has been adjourned until February 27.
