اردو
  • ECP calls emergency meeting after LHC declares null changes in nomination papers

    The Election Commission of Pakistan File photo The Election Commission of Pakistan

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced late Friday it has called an emergency meeting today (Saturday) to discuss matters pertaining to the nomination papers following the Lahore High Court's (LHC) recent decision.

    The ECP further said it has stopped its returning officers from receiving the nomination papers, which, according to schedule, were to be received starting today.

    The Commission noted that the LHC ordered to do away with all shortcomings in Forms 'A' and 'B', and that, as per its orders, it shall make some important decisions in the context of nomination papers.

    Sections pertaining to the liabilities and default, which, the Parliamentary Committee for General Elections 2018 had done away with by way of an amendment, would regardless by considered included.

    Earlier in the day, the LHC dismissed an amendment in the nomination papers and advised the ECP to prepare new ones. It also said that Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution of Pakistan should be readded.

    It had affirmed that the ECP has the authority to make any changes in the nomination papers. However, the latest decision would not affect the schedule of the election, the LHC ruled.

    The General Elections 2018 are scheduled to be held on July 25.

    Earlier, on Thursday, the ECP announced the schedule for candidates to file their nomination papers, saying they could be submitted from June 2 to 6, 2018.

    The returning officers, it added, would publish the names of the candidates on June 7 and, subsequently, start a scrutiny of their credentials the same day that would end on June 14.