SC turns down LHC verdict, reinstates three PML-N MNAs

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday nullified the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision, declaring the recount of votes in three National Assembly constituencies invalid.

The Supreme Court reinstated Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates Azhar Qayyum Nahra, Abdul Rehman Kanju, and Zulfikar Ahmed as members of the National Assembly.

A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, delivered the reserved verdict with a 2-1 majority, with Justice Aqeel Abbasi dissenting.

The PML-N leaders had appealed to the Supreme Court against the LHC’s decision, which had reversed the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) ruling that declared them winners after a recount.

The ECP had initially declared the PML-N candidates as winners following a recount, but this decision was challenged by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the LHC.

It is important to note that objections were raised in the February election in NA 154 Lodhran, NA 81 Gujranwala, and NA 79 Gujranwala.

This development represents a significant setback for PTI, which had contested the ECP’s decision.