ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court directed all candidates contesting General Elections to submit an affidavit, comprising missing information in the electoral nominations papers, within three days.
A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, issued orders while hearing appeals filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) former speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq against the Lahore High Court ruling ordering the revision of the nomination forms to be submitted by candidates for upcoming general elections.
The court also directed ECP to submit the format of the affidavit in the court within one hour, however, the nomination papers will remain unchanged.
During course of proceedings, Justice Nisar remarked "why speaker is shying while submitting information about himself."
Replying to CJ counsel for Sadiq said his client was not reluctant to file information.
The Chief Justice maintained that ECP had right to ask details whatever it needed from the candidates moreover public should know the whereabouts of his candidates going to contest elections.
The top judge said that all information was being demanded for justice, adding that the court would have the right to take action against the person who filed misinformation in the affidavit under Article 62, 63 of the constitution.
It may added that LHC had ruled that the nomination forms do not include mandatory information and declarations required from lawmakers as per the Constitution and law, and ordered the ECP to ensure this information is included in the revised Form A - for election to the NA or Senate - and Form B - a statement of assets and liabilities.
Subsequently, ECP and Ayaz Sadiq approached SC challenging the decision, subsequently, the apex court suspended LHC decision and now made compulsory required affidavit along with nomination forms.
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