The Lahore High Court (LHC) reserved its verdict on a petition filed by PTI-backed independent candidate Salman Akram Raja seeking contempt proceedings against NA-128 returning officer (RO). Counsel for the petitioner said the court had previously ordered the RO to make a decision as per law based on Raja’s request. However, he added, the RO ignored the court order and did not even summon Raja to present his stance. He claimed the defiance of the court orders fell under contempt of court and was punishable offence. The counsel asked the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the RO for not complying with the court’s order. Justice Najafi had directed the RO to consolidate the Feb 8 election results in the NA-128 in presence of all candidates, including the petitioner. Raja had challenged the victory of Awn Chaudhry of the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP).

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)