The nomination papers of Sheikh Rashid for the NA-26 by-elections were contested.
Mubarak, a rival contender, has stated that a candidate cannot run for office if they are implicated in any criminal charges.
RAWALPINDI: On Sunday, the Awami Muslim League (AML) leader and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s nomination papers for the by-election in the NA-62 Rawalpindi constituency were contested, according to Express News.
A contender for the NA-62 by-election named Advocate Azmat Mubarak contested Sheikh Rashid’s nomination paperwork. He asserted that the former minister is the subject of severe charges and has not properly reported his holdings.
The petitioner claimed that by failing to conduct a thorough inquiry, the returning officer (RO) cast doubt on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) “clean, free, and fair election.”
“There are numerous pending criminal cases against Sheikh Rashid. A candidate who is embroiled in criminal proceedings is ineligible to run for office “Mubarak remarked.
He continued by saying that additional cities, in addition to Murree and Islamabad, have also filed FIRs against the AML commander. He asserted, “Sheikh Rashid has no proof of ownership to Lal Haveli.
Rashid’s papers were not examined by the RO, according to Mubarak, who also stated that “the candidate must attend at the designated time in the process of examination.”
He claimed that there appeared to be pressure when the nomination papers for Sheikh Rashid were approved.
The petitioner questioned the ex-eligibility minister’s to run for office after noting that he had resigned himself.
He asked, “Why and on what basis is he contesting election again when he has himself submitted resignation.
He claimed that Sheikh Rashid was endangering the security of the opposition candidates by manipulating public emotion and gathering support.
Candidate Mubarak vowed to dispute Rashid’s nomination papers in front of the Election Tribunal and the High Court if his appeal is denied.
The RO had already accepted Sheikh Rashid’s nomination papers for the NA-62 Rawalpindi constituency by-election.
The returning officer was notified by jail officials that Rashid had been summoned by the RO to participate in the scrutiny procedure but was unable to show up “due to security concerns”.
Sheikh Rashid Shafique, a former MNA and nephew of the AML leader, claimed to have received a phone call from the prison informing him that the former minister would not be brought before the RO.
He added that Rashid is not facing any corruption charges. He had stated, “Today we will seek that the money and valuables that the Islamabad police took from his house be handed over.”
The senior lawmaker has vowed to support Imran Khan “till the last drop of blood,” according to the former MNA. Rashid added that he is “mentally prepared to run for office from jail.”
