The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has instructed the returning officer (RO) not to issue the final result for NA-15 Mansehra following a challenge by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.

A four-member bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, heard the appeal submitted by PML-N Leader Captain (retd) Safdar on Nawaz’s behalf.

Nawaz’s counsel informed the bench that they had not received Form 45 from 125 polling stations and highlighted instances where polling agents were expelled by presiding officers, emphasizing the ECP’s responsibility to ensure transparency.

The counsel also mentioned the challenging conditions in Kala Dhaka, an underprivileged area covered in snow during this time, arguing that Form 47 cannot be issued without Form 45. Captain Safdar added that the RO was currently unconscious and hospitalized.

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Safdar asserted that Form 47 issued under such circumstances would be invalid and requested the ECP to prevent the RO from issuing a final notification of the Mansehra elections.

Following the initial reservation of its verdict, the ECP ultimately ordered the RO not to issue final results at this time.

Meanwhile, Captain Safdar, speaking to the media after arriving at the ECP offices, criticized the Form 47 issued by the RO as incorrect. He also referenced complaints from the PTI regarding alleged election rigging but challenged them to provide proof that results were changed.

Additionally, several petitions challenging the election results were filed in high courts on Saturday by PTI-backed candidates, with most petitions submitted to the Lahore High Court. Two PTI-backed candidates also filed petitions in the Islamabad High Court, and at least three petitions were filed in the Sindh High Court. These petitions contested the victories of PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party President Aleem Khan in various constituencies in Lahore.