An election tribunal on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by PTI leader Yasmin Rashid. The plea challenged Nawaz Sharif’s victory in NA-130 during the 2024 general elections. The decision upheld the official election result announced earlier this year.
According to reports, Yasmin Rashid had approached the tribunal alleging serious irregularities. She claimed rigging took place during the polling process in NA-130, which is located in Lahore. Her petition questioned the transparency of vote counting and the final result.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal rejected the petition. The tribunal ruled that the allegations presented lacked sufficient legal grounds. It also noted that the matter had already been examined by relevant authorities.
Earlier, on February 13, 2024, the Lahore High Court disposed of a similar petition. This petition was also filed by Yasmin Rashid against Nawaz Sharif’s victory from NA-130. The court’s decision cleared the way for the official notification.
A day later, on February 14, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued a formal notification. The ECP confirmed Nawaz Sharif’s success in the constituency. The notification finalized the election outcome.
Official results showed that Nawaz Sharif secured 179,310 votes in the constituency. PTI-backed candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid received 104,485 votes. The wide margin played a key role in the tribunal’s assessment.
During earlier proceedings, Rashid’s legal team raised concerns over alleged fake votes. Her counsel claimed that around 74,000 bogus votes were cast in NA-130. These votes, they argued, helped ensure Nawaz Sharif’s victory.
Former Punjab Attorney General Ahmed Owais represented Yasmin Rashid. While addressing a press conference, he alleged electoral fraud on polling day. He said the irregularities occurred on February 8 during the general elections.
Ahmed Owais further claimed that the total votes exceeded the expected count. He alleged that the final results showed a sharp increase in Nawaz Sharif’s votes. According to him, this rise was recorded at many polling stations.
However, election officials maintained that the process followed legal requirements. They stated that the results were compiled transparently. Authorities said all complaints were reviewed under election laws.
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With the tribunal’s latest decision, the legal challenge has effectively ended. Nawaz Sharif’s victory in NA-130 now stands confirmed. The ruling brings closure to a high-profile election dispute from Lahore.
