LAHORE: An election tribunal on Tuesday ordered verification of thumb impressions from National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) of votes polled in NA-128 and PP-160 constituencies.

The tribunal comprising Justice (R) Kazim Ali Malik passed the orders while allowing applications filed by PTI Runner-up candidates Malik Karamat Ali Khokhar and Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar for verification of voter's thumb impressions in NA-128 and PP-160 respectively.

The applications were filed in pending election petitions being heard by the tribunal wherein Malik Karamat Ali Khokhar challenged the election of PML-N MNA Malik Muhammad Afzal Khokhar from NA-128 constituency and Zaheer Abbas Khokhar had challenged the election of PML-N MPA Malik Saif ul Malook Khokhar from PP-160.

Earlier, Malik Karamat and Zaheer Abbas's counsels pleaded the court to order verification of voters' thumb impressions from NADRA as it would further support their evidence.

Malik Afzal and Saif ul Malook's counsels opposed the request and submitted that it was not the duty of tribunal to assist the petitioner in collection of evidence. They contended that there was no provision of thumb verification in the law.

However, the tribunal after hearing arguments of all parties ordered verification of thumb impressions from NADRA on votes polled in both constituencies.

APP