The Supreme Court has overturned the suspension decision of Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, reinstating him to his position.
The court also annuls the Election Commission of Pakistan's decision to order re-election at 12 polling stations of the PB-51 Chaman constituency.
During the hearing, Justice Aminuddin questioned under which regulation the commission ordered re-election at 12 polling stations. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that the election commission focused on 12 polling stations, but neglected others.
He criticized the lack of inquiry and adherence to rules by the ECP.
Responding to the court's queries, the director general of law at the election commission explained that only the 12 polling stations with high turnout were observed. However, Justice Mazhar emphasized the need for a re-inquiry into the entire constituency, stating that if the ECP had conducted its due diligence, the matter wouldn't have reached the court.
With the agreement of all candidates involved, the court referred the matter back to the ECP, instructing them to make a decision within 10 days after hearing all candidates.
The commission had originally ordered re-polling based on a request from opposition candidate Asghar Khan Achakzai, leading to the withdrawal of the notification of the speaker's victory.
PML-N leader Abdul Khaliq Achakzai contested the election commission's decision in the Supreme Court, resulting in the subsequent annulment of the suspension and restoration of his position as Balochistan Assembly speaker.
