An election tribunal on Tuesday dismissed PTI leader Yasmin Rashid’s challenge to Nawaz Sharif’s NA-130 victory in the 2024 elections, citing technical shortcomings in her petition.
The ruling effectively upholds Sharif’s win and ends legal disputes over the constituency, ensuring he retains his seat. The tribunal emphasized that proper adherence to the Election Act, 2017 is mandatory for any election petition to be considered valid.
The tribunal, led by retired Justice Rana Zahid Mahmood, said Rashid failed to meet the requirements under the Election Act, 2017. Rashid filed her petition on April 16, 2024, claiming that the Election Commission of Pakistan manipulated the results and requesting her victory be declared instead.
However, the tribunal rejected her plea, noting procedural faults and lack of compliance with legal formalities, dismissing the petition on technical grounds.
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According to the ECP, Nawaz Sharif secured 179,310 votes while Yasmin Rashid received 104,485 votes in NA-130. The tribunal noted that petitions must comply with all technical and legal requirements to be valid. Rashid’s failure to meet these requirements led to the dismissal, reinforcing the importance of following election procedures. The written order of the tribunal is yet to be issued, but the ruling solidifies Sharif’s official win.
Political analysts said the decision reinforces Pakistan’s legal framework for election disputes and encourages transparency in the electoral process. Strict compliance with the Election Act ensures fairness and prevents unnecessary delays in confirming results. Observers noted that the ruling sends a clear message to political parties that procedural adherence is essential to avoid legal obstacles in future elections.
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With the dismissal of Rashid’s petition, Nawaz Sharif can focus on legislative duties and constituency development without further legal uncertainty. The tribunal’s ruling closes one of the high-profile disputes from the 2024 elections. Analysts expect fewer election challenges if parties follow proper legal procedures, and the outcome boosts confidence in Pakistan’s electoral system.