The Islamabad High Court has issued a stay order halting the Election Commission's investigation into alleged electoral fraud in NA-18 Haripur. The court's decision came in response to a petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Babar Nawaz. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub had challenged the Election Commission's proceedings and its order dated July 10. The petitioner argued that the Election Commission is required to decide on such matters within 60 days. Since this period had elapsed, Ayub contended that the ongoing proceedings were unlawful. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued a written order, suspending the Election Commission's investigation into the alleged irregularities in NA-18 Haripur. The court has also issued notices to all relevant parties, including the Election Commission, the Returning Officer of NA-18, the District Returning Officer, and Babar Nawaz Khan, seeking their responses.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan