PTI Chief skips scrutiny procedure by Election Commission

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairperson Imran Khan and his counsel, Babar Awan on Monday did not get their nomination papers scrutinised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The Geo News reported that the two leaders did not appear before the ECP in Lahore for the scrutiny of their nomination papers filed from the national assembly constituency 53.

The ECP had summoned cricketer-turned-politician Khan, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and former PTI leader Aisha Gulalai for conducting the scrutiny of their nomination papers.

Instead, Khan sought the permission of the ECP to appear on Tuesday, which was later accepted. He was further ordered to submit a reply to the allegations put forward by Abdul Wahab Baloch.

Baloch had contested Imran's candidature on basis of Article 62 (1) (f) over allegations that he fathered a "love child" with a woman named Sita White, reports the Express Tribune.

Khan has submitted nomination papers from National Assembly constituencies in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Bannu and Mianwali to contest in the elections slated for July 25.

The main contenders for the post of Prime Minister include Imran Khan, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz, who is contesting from Lahore, and Pakistan People's Party leader Bilawal Bhutto, among others.