PESHAWAR: The disqualification of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members by the Election Commission has been challenged in the Peshawar High Court.
Hearings were held on petitions filed against the disqualification of SIC chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Rai Hasan Khan, Rai Murtaza Iqbal, Rai Haider Ali, and Rai Ansar Iqbal.
During the hearing before a bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Muhammad Ejaz Khan, the petitioners’ lawyer, Syed Sikandar Hayat Shah, argued that his clients are members of the National and Provincial Assemblies who were disqualified by the Election Commission on August 5 following sentences handed down by the Faisalabad Anti-Terrorism Court.
The lawyer stated that the sentences were delivered in absentia and the Election Commission declared them disqualified overnight without waiting for appeals. He added that a mere conviction is not sufficient for disqualification, citing previous judicial rulings.
During proceedings, Additional Attorney General Sanaullah and Election Commission representatives objected, noting that all constituencies are in Punjab, and the petitioners could have approached the Lahore High Court or Islamabad High Court. The Additional DG of the Election Commission informed the court that two similar petitions had previously been dismissed there.
Justice Waqar Ahmed remarked that when millions of voters elect a legislator, their rights are also affected, and not every conviction results in disqualification.
The court also noted that cases related to electoral symbols and reserved seats have previously been heard in this court, and the Supreme Court has never held that Peshawar High Court cannot hear such matters.
The lawyer requested that, similar to the suspension of the election schedule in Zartaj Gul’s constituency, equal treatment be applied to these petitioners. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court stated that an order on the matter will be issued.
