PkNAP Terms NA-251 Tribunal Verdict ‘Disappointing’ and Against Principles of Justice

Quetta – The Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP) has expressed deep disappointment over the election tribunal’s decision regarding the NA-251 (Zhob, Killa Saifullah, Sherani) constituency, calling the ruling unjust and contrary to the facts presented.

In a statement issued from the party’s central secretariat, PkNAP said the tribunal’s order for re-election at 22 polling stations was incomprehensible, especially when all irrefutable evidence, complete polling records, and clear proof of party chairman Khushal Khan Kakar’s victory had already been submitted.

The statement noted that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), during its formal hearings and through a specially formed investigative commission, had acknowledged Khushal Khan Kakar’s clear lead. The High Court tribunal had also declared him successful and, for the satisfaction of the opposing side, ordered a recount at 22 polling stations.

According to the party, even in the recount ordered by the tribunal, Khushal Khan Kakar maintained a lead of more than 4,000 votes, a result officially presented by the Returning Officer. Polling agents, presiding officers from multiple stations, and the ECP’s own records all supported Kakar’s victory, with the tribunal compiling detailed evidence reflecting his clear lead.

Despite this, the tribunal’s decision to order re-polling at 22 stations was not only disappointing but also a violation of electoral justice, the party said.

PkNAP further claimed that Kakar originally held a lead of over 20,000 votes in NA-251, but after the February 8 elections, results from Killa Saifullah were unlawfully withheld. Following public protests, the record was brought to the RO office in Zhob on February 10, where an “illegal recount” was conducted. Kakar reportedly led by 900 votes in that count, but alleged interference in postal ballots later gave the opposing candidate a margin of just 90 votes, despite Kakar having more than 1,500 postal ballots.

The party stated that all evidence of alleged rigging had been fully submitted to both the ECP and the tribunal.

PkNAP reaffirmed that it, along with the people of NA-251, will continue the struggle for justice and will defend the public mandate through all constitutional and legal forums.