LAHORE, Feb 27: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday observed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) could announce results of the constituencies, where contestants seek re-polling on grounds of irregularities, subject to the final decision of the cases pending before it.

The court observed that the re-polling could be ordered if allegations or irregularities were found substantial.

Justice Maulvi Anwarul Haq and Justice MA Zafar adjourned for the next week at least 11 writ petitions challenging election process at different constituencies, observing that the ECP could notify the results of questioned constituencies subject to final decision on the petitions.

Daniyal Aziz (Narowal), Nisar Ahmad (Lahore), Amir Ahmad Khan (Bhakkar), Haji Shaukat Hayat Chattah (Gujranwala), Muhammad Yasin Khan (Narowal), Sajid Iqbal (Jhang), Muhammad Ahmad Ludhiyanvi (Jhang), Ch. Jaffar Iqbal (Gujranwala), Ashifa Riaz Fatyana (Toba Tek Singh) and Mian Abdul Mannan and Sohail Shaukat Ali had moved the court for re-polling.

SUMAIRA MALIK: The Lahore High Court (LHC) observed on Wednesday the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) could notify Sumaira Malik a successful candidate from NA-69 but it would be subject to the final decision of the case pending adjudication.

Justice Maulvi Anwarul Haq and MA Zafar also issued notice to the ECP and directed the LHC office to fix the petition for hearing after two weeks.

Her runner-up Umar Aslam Khan has challenged the result announced by the retuning officer (RO), saying the RO rejected 6,000 valid votes from different polling stations. He says neither the Representatives of People's Act 1976 nor any rules authorise the RO to reject a ballot paper counted as valid vote in favour of any candidate.

The petitioner seeks a recount of all ballot papers, including the rejected ballot papers. Ms Malik won NA-69, Khushab, with a narrow margin of 748 votes. She got 57,903 votes while Mr Khan secured 57,155 votes. Umar prayed the court to stay the notification of Ms Malik.