ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday requested a comprehensive report from the District Returning Officer (DRO) regarding allegations of electoral malpractice against Umar Ayub, PTI leader and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly.
During a hearing on the petition, the petitioner’s counsel argued that Umar Ayub had submitted a preemptive application suggesting the possibility of fraudulent voting. This application, dated February 7, raised concerns about the potential for bogus votes being cast.
An Election Commission member confirmed the receipt of two reports from Returning Officers (ROs), one from the National Assembly and another from the Provincial Assembly.
In response, Umar Ayub’s legal representative countered the allegations, accusing the petitioner of introducing new requests at each hearing to unnecessarily prolong the proceedings. The petitioner’s counsel urged the Election Commission to invalidate the election results in the disputed constituency.
The Election Commission adjourned the hearing until August 6, pending the submission of the DRO’s detailed report on the actions taken in response to Umar Ayub’s initial application.
