SC allows Masti Khel to contest elections

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has allowed independent candidate Sanaullah Khan Masti Khel to contest the election from NA 91 Bhakkar.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa on Thursday heard the appeal against the rejection of the nomination papers of independent candidate Sanaullah Masti Khel.

During the hearing, the lawyer of the complainant said that Masti Khel is a proclaimed offender, on which the Chief Justice inquired ‘what crime Masti Khel has committed, tell me in detail. Is it a case of terrorism or kidnapping for ransom? If he is a dangerous man, we will not allow him to contest the elections’.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said that Masti Khel is not a proclaimed offender, he has got bail.

Justice Musarrat Hilali said that there is a case of tyre burning on Masti Khel, why was the High Court in such a hurry to cancel the decision of the tribunal at once?

The Chief Justice remarked that his case was decided in just one day, the court could have given the date of the next day.

The Chief Justice asked the Election Commission officials whether the ballot papers have been printed. To which the ECP officials replied that the ballot papers are ready for printing.

The Supreme Court overruled the decision of the Lahore High Court Multan Bench and allowed Masti Khel to contest the election.

The court also ordered the Election Commission to include Masti Khel’s name in the ballot papers.

It should be noted that Sanaullah Masti Khel is a candidate from NA 91 Bhakkar.