RO’s decision was deemed invalid by an electoral appellate tribunal on Thursday, which also gave Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Shiekh Rashid permission to challenge the election.
Sheikh Rashid’s nomination papers for the Rawalpindi National Assembly constituency NA-56 and his nephew Rashid Shafique’s papers for NA-57 were previously rejected by the RO.
In response, Mr. Rashid declared he would file a lawsuit to overturn the denial of his nomination documents.
In a video message released here, the former interior minister stated that the returning officer called him to the commissioner’s office on half an hour’s notice, scrutinised his nomination papers and made allegations that he did not pay for staying at the Murree rest-house.
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Rashid claims he has never visited the rest house. However, he declared that he was prepared to cover the cost.
explanations for rejections
Rashid was provided with copies of objections on his nomination papers by RO Rawalpindi, Nazarat Ali. The RO objected, saying, “Sheikh Rashid omitted complete details of his assets.” The RO pointed out that “the value of his declared assets does not align with his investments.”
The RO further stated, “He failed to declare income from 2021 to 2023 in the asset papers.” One criticism included Rashid’s noncompliance with the Murree rest house bill issued by the forest department.
According to the objection, he lodged at the rest home from September 4 to September 9, 2022, without paying any fees. The total amount of arrears is $3,22,000 payable against him to the government,” another objection highlighted.
