The election tribunal bench of Lahore High court has granted permission to Mr. Ayaz Amir to contest the upcoming general election. Earlier his nomination papers had been rejected by the returning officer due to one of his articles in which he had discussed ideology of Pakistan according to his own opinion.
Mr Azaz Amir’s article was read in the court room today, however, the bench did not find it objectionable. He was thus given a go-ahead to continue with his election campaign for NA-60 Chakwal constituency. After the decision, Mr Ayaz Amir was showered with rose petals by his protagonists outside the court.
The earlier decision of the returning officer was criticized by different circles of the country, especially the civil society. The decision was seen as a move to curtail the constitutional right to freedom of speech.