ISLAMABAD: The nomination papers of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, chairman of the Awami Muslim League (AML) party, have been approved by a returning officer (RO) of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for a by-election in the NA-26 constituency of Rawalpindi.
The by-elections, scheduled to take place on March 16 following the resignation of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MPs, will take place on 33 seats of the National Assembly. The final list of contesting candidates will be announced on February 9, with the scrutiny of nomination papers taking place until February 13.
Objections to Ahmad’s nomination papers can be submitted until February 13, however, no objections have been raised at this time.
Despite being in Adiala jail on judicial remand for allegations of murder, the RO, Nausheen Israr, summoned Ahmad and wrote a letter to the prison authorities to attend the scrutiny of his nomination papers.
During the process, workers from AML and ally PTI party gathered outside the RO’s office, while Ahmad’s nephew, Sheikh Rashid Shafique, appeared on behalf of the former minister.
Speaking to the media outside the RO’s office, Shafique confirmed that the election official had accepted Ahmad’s nomination papers. He revealed the jail superintendent refused to comply with the magistrate’s directive and informed them via a phone call that Ahmad would not be presented before the RO.
Shafique added that Ahmad was being asked to change his allegiance but remained steadfast in his support for former prime minister Imran Khan.
