LHC Suspends NA-175 By-Poll Plan Amid Dasti’s Appeal

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The Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended the by-election for National Assembly (NA) constituency NA-175, following a legal challenge by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jamshed Dasti against his disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

On July 30, 2025, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a stay order halting the by-election schedule for National Assembly

(NA) constituency NA-175, responding to a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jamshed Dasti. The court’s decision, led by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, came after Dasti contested his disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which had barred him from running due to allegations of possessing fraudulent academic credentials. This ruling emphasizes the judiciary’s role in ensuring electoral processes respect individual rights to political participation.

Dasti’s legal team, headed by Advocate Ishtiaq Chaudhry, argued that the ECP overstepped its authority by disqualifying him on July 15, 2025, without a judicial verdict. They referenced a Supreme Court precedent limiting the ECP’s power to independently bar candidates. The LHC’s suspension of the by-poll, initially planned for September 10, 2025, prevents potential procedural errors and protects public resources from being wasted on a contested election. Dasti told reporters that his disqualification stemmed from his loyalty to PTI leader Imran Khan, framing it as an attempt to suppress his political rights.

The LHC’s action included issuing notices to the ECP and the Attorney General, indicating a thorough review of the case. The court also suggested forming a larger bench to address the issue’s complexity, reflecting a commitment to transparency and fairness in Pakistan’s electoral system. This move aligns with principles valuing judicial oversight and individual liberties against administrative overreach, resonating with those skeptical of unchecked bureaucratic power.

For PTI supporters, the ruling is a stand against perceived political targeting. The case highlights ongoing tensions between state institutions, with the ECP’s impartiality under scrutiny. As the nation awaits further hearings, the LHC’s intervention underscores the importance of upholding the right to contest elections, a cornerstone of democratic freedom. The decision ensures that no candidate is unfairly excluded, reinforcing trust in Pakistan’s judicial system to protect citizens’ political rights.