Supreme Appellate Court Accepts Imam Malik’s Appeal, Suspends Election Tribunal Order
The Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan has accepted an election appeal filed by successful candidate Imam Malik and suspended the decision of the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Tribunal. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17, 2026.
Appeal Against Election Tribunal Decision
The court formally admitted for hearing an election appeal filed by Imam Malik against the decision of the Election Tribunal concerning alleged electoral irregularities in GBA-16 Diamer-II.
The court also suspended the Election Tribunal’s order dated September 11, 2026, along with all subsequent proceedings arising from the order, until the next hearing.
Imam Malik had filed the appeal under Section 155 of the Elections Act, 2017, challenging the tribunal’s decision.
Questions Raised Over Postal Ballots
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Basharat Ali, representing Imam Malik, argued that postal ballot papers were of critical importance in determining the final election results of GBA-16 Diamer-II.
He maintained that the Election Tribunal had ordered the inclusion of the postal ballots in the final result without first conducting a forensic examination to establish their authenticity and legal validity.
The lawyer told the court that all five candidates had already raised objections regarding the record of the postal ballots and the condition of the postal ballot box.
Concerns Over Ballot Box Record and Security
According to the counsel, the candidates had also raised serious questions about the original record of the postal ballot box, including its seal, lock, signatures, and keys.
He argued that, under such circumstances, officials could not conclusively establish the authenticity of the postal ballot papers without forensic verification.
The counsel further argued that officials should not include the postal ballots in the final election result without first verifying the relevant voters’ thumb impressions through NADRA.
Forensic Verification Request
Senior Advocate Basharat Ali informed the court that Imam Malik had already submitted an application before the Election Tribunal seeking forensic verification of the postal ballot papers and a determination of other important legal issues.
However, according to the counsel, the tribunal proceeded with the matter without deciding the application.
He further informed the court that, in the meantime, the Returning Officer had also started the process of counting the disputed postal ballot papers.
Court Finds Legal Issues Worth Consideration
After hearing the arguments of Senior Advocate Basharat Ali, the Supreme Appellate Court observed that the legal points raised by the petitioner required consideration.
The court therefore admitted the election appeal for regular hearing and directed that notices be issued to the parties concerned.
The court also suspended the September 11 order of the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Tribunal, as well as all proceedings initiated by the Returning Officer as a result of that order, until the next hearing.
Next Hearing on September 17
The case will next be heard on September 17, 2026, when the court will proceed further with the election appeal.
The outcome of the proceedings could determine the legal status of the disputed postal ballots and their role in the final election result for GBA-16 Diamer-II.
