The challenge was filed by Azmat Mubarak, another candidate running for the same election, claiming that Sheikh Rashid has failed to fully disclose his assets as a result of serious allegations.
It was alleged that the returning officer failed to conduct a proper investigation and thus undermined the integrity of the “clean, fair, and impartial” election conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan. It was stated by Mubarak that numerous criminal cases have been filed against the AML chief, and candidates with such records are not permitted to run for office.
Furthermore, the petitioner pointed out that Sheikh Rashid had not provided proof of ownership of Lal Haveli, and that the returning officer had failed to scrutinize the former minister’s documents. Mubarak expressed concern that the approval of Sheikh Rashid’s nomination papers may give the impression of pressure and compromise the election’s fairness.
In addition, the candidate questioned Sheikh Rashid’s eligibility for the contest, since he had previously resigned. Mubarak argued that if his plea is not accepted, he will take the matter to the Election Tribunal and the High Court.
In addition, the returning officer had previously accepted Sheikh Rashid’s nomination papers for the by-election. As per the jail authorities, Rashid was summoned to attend the scrutiny process but was unable to do so due to security concerns. It has been confirmed by the former minister’s nephew and former Member of Parliament, Sheikh Rashid Shafique, that there are no corruption charges against his uncle and that the government will request the return of money and items seized by the Islamabad police.
According to reports, the senior politician has declared his support for Imran Khan “until the last drop of blood” and is “mentally prepared to contest elections from prison”.
