LHC judge recuses himself from Imran disqualification case

LAHORE: A Lahore High Court two-member bench constituted to hear a petition seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Imran Khan as Member of the National Assembly stood dissolved after one of the judges recused himself from the case on Monday.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh and Justice Shahid Waheed took up the petition moved by Mudassar Chaudhry of the Pakistan Justice and Democratic Party, a defeated candidate from NA-131, Lahore. However, Justice Waheed recused himself from the case saying he had already decided an identical petition. At this, Justice Sheikh referred the matter to the chief justice for constitution of a new bench.

The petitioner, through his counsel submitted that Imran Khan was elected as MNA from NA-131, Lahore, but he did not meet the conditions of being “sadiq and ameen” as required under Articles 62 & 63 of the Constitution. He pointed out that under Section 60(2)(d) of the Election Act, 2017, a candidate had to furnish a statement of his assets and liabilities and of his spouse and dependent children. However, he said, Imran Khan had failed to disclose detailed of properties owned by his wife, two sons and “daughter” Tyrian Jade Khan White. The petitioner stated that the respondent had not made truthful declaration in nomination papers as well as in affidavit to the effect that Tyrian Jade Khan White was his daughter.

He said the respondent was not qualified rather disqualified under Article 62(1)(d), (e) and (f) and Article 63(1) (o) & (p) of the Constitution. He pleaded that the election of Mr Khan as returned candidate be declared void. He requested the court to de-notify the respondent as an MNA and declare the seat as vacant, besides issuing directions to the ECP for initiating appropriate proceedings against him.