The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a stay order, halting proceedings at the Islamabad Election Tribunal regarding a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate, Shoaib Shaheen.

The stay order specifically pertains to Shaheen’s election petition challenging the victory of Tariq Fazal Chaudhry of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in National Assembly constituency NA-47.

The IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition today. Following the hearing, the court issued the stay order, preventing the tribunal from proceeding with Shaheen’s petition until further notice. Notices have been issued to both parties, requiring them to submit their responses.

While the stay order applies to Shaheen’s petition in NA-47, the Election Tribunal remains free to proceed with cases related to the other two constituencies in Islamabad. The Tribunal has scheduled hearings for all three Islamabad constituencies for December 24th.

Shaheen’s challenge extends beyond the election results themselves. He has also challenged the constitution of the new Election Tribunal, filing a separate petition against the Election Commission’s decision in the Islamabad High Court.