ATC rejects mayor-elect’s plea to be taken to RO

Karachi

An anti-terrorism court rejected on Friday the plea of Karachi’s mayor-elect, Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Waseem Akhtar, who had sought directives that he be produced before the Election Commission of Pakistan’s returning officer for his nomination papers.

The ATC noted that it was at the ECP’s discretion as to whether it wanted to summon him or not.

Waseem Akhtar had requested the court to direct the prison authorities to ensure he was produced before the RO concerned on August 5 so he could deposit his nomination papers. However the plea was rejected on the grounds that it was not a matter related to the court and it was at the ECP’s discretion. However, the nomination papers on behalf of Akhtar were deposited to the RO concerned despite the fact that he did go to the court. 

Akhta’s papers, were collected on his behalf from the office of returning officer Samiuddin Siddiqi on Thursday and were deposited on Friday.

As per the schedule announced by the ECP, aspiring candidates could their file
nomination papers on August 5 and 6. 

MQM leaders Waseem Akhtar and Rauf Siddiqui, Pak Sarzameen Party leader Anees Qaimkhani, Pakistan People’s Party leader Qadir Patel, Pasban leader Usman Moazzam and others are being tried before an ATC for having assisted outlaws in arranging their medical treatment at two hospitals owned by Dr Asim Hussain

Akhtar is also facing cases for assisting the MQM chief who allegedly delivered provocative speeches.