Election Rigging Case: Heavy Fines Imposed on Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Khurram Nawaz
Islamabad: The Election Tribunal of Islamabad High Court has decided to hear the petition on a daily basis regarding electoral rigging allegations and has demanded fresh sworn statements from successful PML-N candidates in three constituencies of Islamabad. Additionally, fines of Rs. 20,000 on Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Rs. 30,000 on Raja Khurram Nawaz were imposed for not submitting Forms 46, 45, and 47.
Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri remarked during the hearing that failure to comply with future court orders would result in membership suspension and assembly membership would also be suspended. The Tribunal has instructed the successful candidates to submit their sworn statements again.
Furthermore, the Tribunal instructed to read Section 144 of the Election Act and emphasized that daily trials would be conducted, with decisions expected within 180 days. The Tribunal emphasized that responses must be submitted within seven days, and failure to do so would result in a fine of Rs. 100,000.
The Tribunal directed that if any objection exists, it should be brought forward. Legal representatives present were directed to read the Election Act’s rules, and the proceedings will continue on a daily basis.
The hearing for constituency NA-48 is scheduled for July 9, NA-47 for July 10, and NA-46 for July 11, with cases of explicit rigging adjourned.