cross-examining the witnesses.
The ROs produced the relevant documents including packing invoices, "Form XV" and other relevant material. However during Thursday's proceedings the only unusual thing that happened was that the RO who supervised the NA 125 polling informed the commission that he sent the requisition for 500,000 ballot papers but instead he received 50,000 extra. Upon this, Chief Justice asked the RO whether he held any inquiry or asked the ECP why 50000 extra ballot papers were sent to him.
The significance and focus on this constituency has increased, as this was one of the four constituencies where PTI leveled rigging allegations initially.
However it is important to mention here that District Election Commissioner Lahore Shabbar Abbas Bokhari who testified before the Inquiry Commission on June 08, 2015 has already clarified why 50,000 additional ballot papers were printed.
Bokhari admitted before the commission the ballot papers printed for the constituency were much in excess, which was not a normal practice. He said he made certain changes in the assessment about the ballot papers, though he had received the printing requirement for the constituency from district returning officers (DROs) concerned.
The registered voters in the constituency were 429,115 while the demand for ballot papers as assessed by the returning officer (RO) concerned and the subsequent requisition was for 500,000, though it was slightly unusual. But the ballot papers printed numbered 550,000.
He said although the requisition was for 500,000 ballot papers, but for two Punjab Assembly constituencies - PP-155 and 156 - in the same area and with the same number of registered voters as assessed by the RO was 550,000 - 300,000 for one constituency and 250,000 for the other. Thus he equalled the number of ballot papers to 550,000 for both the National Assembly seat and the two provincial assembly seats.
Ishaq Khakwani further said the ROs gave contrasting statement and the PTI's legal team has noted these points, which would be discussed at the later stage. He said they have a very strong case and this would be reflected when their counsel would present their arguments before the commission.