Fayyaz Chattha challenges RO office relocation ahead of by-polls

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has summoned the lawyer of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to address a plea regarding the relocation of the returning officer office in Wazirabad ahead of by-polls. The petitioner, Fayyaz Chattha, a prominent figure in Gujranwala and son of veteran politician Hamid Nasir Chattha, is contesting the upcoming by-election in PP-36, Wazirabad. The petition challenges the decision to move the RO office of Wazirabad’s PP-36 constituency to Gujranwala, raising concerns about the logistical challenges faced by the 185 polling officers who would have to travel approximately 50 km for result access. The petition argues that this move could potentially lead to malpractice and suspicions of electoral rigging, urging the court to intervene and ensure the RO office remains in Wazirabad to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Despite being affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Fayyaz Chattha is running in the by-poll under the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) banner, following his party's policy. The PP-36 seat became vacant after Fayyaz Chattha's brother, Muhammad Ahmed Chattha, chose to retain his NA seat, leaving the provincial assembly. With the by-election scheduled for April 21, candidates are ramping up their election campaigns after the recent Eid break.