Writ against Rehman’s election withdrawn

Posted on 9 months ago

KARACHI (PPI): Sindh High Court on Tuesday allowed petitioner, Moulvi Iqbal Haider, to withdraw his petition through which election of former Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik as Senator was challenged on basis of his conviction in graft cases.

Moulvi Iqbal Haider had approached SHC against acceptance of Rehman Malik's nomination papers for Senate election and his subsequent unopposed success on basis of his conviction in graft cases.

He impleaded ex-Minister Rehman Malik, Chief Election Commissioner, Provincial Chief Election Commissioner Sindh & Secretary Federal Law & Parliamentary Affairs Ministry as respondents.

Appearing in person, petitioner submitted Election Commissioner had accepted nomination papers filed by Mr. Malik, then Advisor to Prime Minister, to contest election of Senate on technocrat's seat from Sindh province. Later, he was elected unopposed as Senate member.

Iqbal Haider contended acceptance of Mr. Malik's nomination papers and his subsequent success in Senate poll was illegal as he was already sentenced and convicted in graft cases by National Accountability Court of Islamabad in connection with two references prepared by National Accountability Bureau in 2004.

According to petitioner, Mr. Malik was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment in each case, but the cases were closed under National Reconciliation Ordnance. However, those cases stood opened following nullification of controversial law by apex court.

He had prayed to declare Rehman Malik's nomination papers acceptance and his unopposed success in Senate election illegal and violation of Articles 4, 5, 9, 25, 59, 61, 62 & 63 of Constitution. He also prayed to suspend operation of official notification declaring Mr. Malik as successful candidate.

On Tuesday, petitioner Iqbal Haider appeared personally and prayed to allow him withdraw the petition.

SHC said in its order: 'According to the learned counsel now the controversy is before the Apex Court, therefore, he does not want to press the instant petition, which is accordingly allowed to be withdrawn with no order as to cost along with all pending applications.'

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