Nawaz Sharif Receives Clearance to Contest Elections from NA-15 Mansehra

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif has received approval to contest elections from the NA-15 (Mansehra-II) constituency, despite objections raised by leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as reported by The News on Friday.

The Returning Officer (RO), Hajrah Sami, dismissed all objections raised by PTI regarding Nawaz’s eligibility for the February 8 general elections, declaring his nomination papers valid in accordance with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rules.

Jahangir Jadoon, the legal advisor to Nawaz Sharif, informed reporters that the scrutiny process had been completed, objections from PTI leader Azam Khan Swati and two others were set aside, and Nawaz was deemed eligible to contest the elections from NA-15 Mansehra-II.

During the proceedings, PTI’s counsel argued that Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court and thus ineligible to run in the upcoming elections. The PTI lawyers panel, led by Waqar Khan Jehangira and Amir Shah, and the PML-N panel, led by Jadoon, presented their arguments for about two hours.

After the decision, Jadoon raised concerns about the alleged forgery in Swati’s presence at the local courts. He questioned how Swati could sign legal documents and a power of attorney when he was reportedly out of the country. Jadoon stated that they would challenge Swati’s nomination papers on December 30 and expressed the intention to take the issue to court.

The legal advisor also pointed out that Swati, who is claimed to be an absconder, allegedly showed up on court premises and signed legal documents while being out of the country.