Pakistan's Supreme Court dismisses plea to nullify elections due to absentee petitioner

Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking to nullify elections due to absentee petitioner drama. The petitioner, Ali Khan, failed to attend consecutive hearings, leading to the dismissal. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa imposed a fine, citing misuse of court processes.

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In a recent development, Pakistan's Supreme Court encountered an intriguing legal saga surrounding the nullification of the February 8 elections. The court rejected a plea aiming to declare the elections null and void, highlighting the absence of the petitioner, Ali Khan. Khan, a retired Army officer, sought to nullify the elections and conduct new polls within 30 days for fairness and transparency.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, leading a three-member bench, resumed the hearing after adjourning it earlier. Despite prior warnings, Ali Khan remained absent, prompting the court to dismiss the plea and fine him Rs 500,000. Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman informed the court about failed attempts to reach Khan.

During previous hearings, the court criticized the petition's filing and withdrawal, denouncing it as an abuse of court processes. The plaintiff's lawyer expressed a desire to withdraw the plea, but the court rejected it, emphasizing Khan's presence. The court also noted discrepancies in the petition's timeline and media reports.

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Further revelations surfaced regarding Ali Khan's past as a former Brigadier dismissed from service after a court-martial in 2012. The court read an email from Khan claiming he was abroad and requesting petition withdrawal. Justice Isa scrutinized Khan's travel details, suggesting a publicity stunt.

Ali Khan's petition demanded an investigation into alleged pre-poll rigging and election fraud, citing violations of democratic principles. He highlighted hurdles faced by PTI candidates and Imran Khan's imprisonment, alleging democratic process undermining. Post-election, protests erupted across Balochistan and Sindh, challenging declared outcomes.

Amidst these legal battles, political dynamics in Pakistan are shifting. The PML-N and PPP forged a coalition agreement, aiming to form a new government. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced Shehbaz Sharif's candidacy for Prime Minister and Asif Ali Zardari for President. This alliance aims to counter Imran Khan's PTI, branding them as 'mandate thieves.'