SC upholds tribunal’s verdict on re-polling in PB-36 Kalat

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Monday dismissed the appeal of Balochistan Home Minister Zia Lango while upholding the election tribunal’s decision of re-polling in seven polling stations of PB-36 Kalat. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the appeal against the election tribunal’s decision of re-polling.

The court upheld the decision of re-polling in seven polling stations and ordered payment of the fine imposed by the election tribunal to the Edhi Foundation. Shah Khawar appeared on behalf of Ziaullah Lango and argued that the Election Tribunal unilaterally decided to re-poll in haste and submitted that as per Sub Section 5 of Section 148 of Election Act 2017, a decision had to be given in 180 days. The learned counsel contended that without giving them a chance to argue, the election tribunal gave its decision in 148 days. The court, however, did not agree with the stand of the counsel. Justice Qazi Faez Isa observed that according to the record he was given opportunities.

Shah Khawar, however, contended that 13 hearings were held in the election tribunal and his client could not appear in only two hearings.

“My client is the provincial interior minister and could not appear because he was busy,” the counsel submitted and requested the court that he should be given a chance to argue his point of view The court, however, rejected the counsel’s plea and dismissed the appeal.