Objections raised at nomination papers of Imran Khan, Maryam and Bilawal

Objections have been raised on the nomination papers of three of three prominent political leaders including former prime minister Imran Khan, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz. 

An objection has been raised to Bilawal Bhutto’s nomination for the National Assembly’s NA-127 seat, with the complainant appealing to the returning officer that one person cannot be a member of two parties at the same time.

In the petition filed by a citizen, Muhammad Ayaz, it has been stated that Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has displayed his affiliation with the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians in his nomination papers. The Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians are separate political parties. 

The symbol of PPP-P is an arrow, while that of the PPP is a sword. Bilawal is the chairman of the PPP and Asif Zardari is the president of PPP-P.

Meanwhile, objections have also been filed over the nomination of PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz from the PP-80 constituency of Sargodha district’s Shahpur area. The petitioner says Maryam is a convict and her nomination papers bear fake signatures. 

The petitioner says that, as a convict, Maryam does not meet the requirements of articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution. He added that the PML-N leader has also not declared her assets. 

The objections were submitted in writing by local lawyers to the Sargodha returning officer.

On the other hand, Imran Khan’s nomination from Lahore’s NA-122 constituency has also been challenged. 

Former PML-N MPA Mian Naseer has raised objections, saying the former PTI chairman was ineligible to contest the election. 

The returning officer postponed proceedings on the nomination papers till tomorrow. He asked Imran Khan’s lawyers to complete their arguments till 12:30pm on Thursday.