Verdict on Qureshi, Sanam's poll pleas reserved

PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi and activist Sanam Javed approached the Lahore High Court to partake in the upcoming election, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

Ex-FM Qureshi moved the court against rejection of his nomination papers from NA-150, NA-151 and PP-218.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najafi conducted the hearing.

The ECP, Election Appellate Tribunal and others were parties to the petition.

The lawyer of the ECP gave arguments to dismiss the applications.

Qureshi’s lawyer told the court that the objection to the signature on nomination papers was also raised while there ‘should be no objection when the applicant is verifying his signature’

The ECP lawyer argued Shah Mehmood Qureshi's signature on documents and affidavit 'is not verified'.

The RO may also summon the candidate, Justice Ali Baqir Najafi said. The petitioner is a high-profile personality and was arrested in the May 9-related cases, the ECP lawyer told the court, adding that as per the jail rules, permission is not granted without the authority's approval.

In Sanam's plea, her lawyer said the objection to the candidate's account was raised while amendment was made and the the gazette notification has not been issued.

As per the law, the candidate must now have the account, the ECP lawyer said, adding the candidate is bound to provide the bank account.

“You have not published this edit so far,” Justice Ali Baqir Najafi asked. The ECP lawyer told the court that it has been published and even printed in books’.

“As per law, the joint account is unacceptable,” he added.