No one can be restrained from contesting election on the basis of abscondment : SC

ISLAMABAD, January 26 (Online): Supreme Court (SC) while allowing PTI leader Umar Aslam to contest election has remarked no one can be stopped from contesting the election on the basis of being absconder.
A 3-member bench of SC presided over by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah took up the case for hearing Friday.

The counsel said nomination papers of Umar Aslam were rejected being absconder in May 9 cases.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked tell us where it is written the absconding person cannot contest election. How can any one be deprived of basic rights without law.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked people have to decide the election. Contesting election is fundamental right. People have to decide who will contest election and who will not and not the Election Commission (EC).

He further remarked let people of Pakistan decide The petitioner who has come before us is not important. The rights of people are being affected. People have to conduct accountability and not the EC.

Counsel for EC said ballot papers work has been completed.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked implementing court’s decision is responsibility of EC.

The court remarked contesting election is basic right. No one can be restrained from contesting election being absconder.

SC allowed PTI leader Umar Aslam to contest election. Umar Aslam is contesting election from NA-87 Khushab.