Today marks the commencement of the race for the presidential election in the country, as declared by the Election Commission of Pakistan. As per the issued schedule, presidential hopefuls can now submit their nomination papers to all four high courts nationwide.

Moreover, the chief justices of the respective high courts have been appointed as presiding officers to oversee the nomination process, ensuring its fairness and transparency.

Among the candidates vying for the presidency, the nomination papers for PPP's Asif Ali Zardari have been formally submitted in the Sindh High Court. This step underscores the active participation of various political figures in the democratic process of electing the country's next leader.

Zardari's nomination papers

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah submitted the nomination papers for PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari for the upcoming election for the country’s president. Shah and provincial minister Nasir Shah are Zardari’s proposers and seconders. The nomination papers were submitted before the president officer, SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi.

PPP leaders Sharjeel Memon, Faryal Talpur, Qaim Ali Shah and Nisar Khuhro were also present on the occasion.

Moreover, a former worker of Pakistan Steel, Shameem Ahmed, also submitted his nomination papers for the presidential election. On being asked by the court who his proposers and seconders were, he replied he did not know anyone in Pakistan.

The chief justice sent Shameem’s documents to the election commission.

The scrutiny of the submitted nomination papers is slated to take place on March 4, where the eligibility and compliance of each candidate with the election regulations will be thoroughly assessed.

Also Read: ECP announces schedule of presidential elections

Furthermore, the process will conclude with polling scheduled to be conducted in the provincial assemblies on March 9 from 10am to 4pm to elect the 14th president of the country. This crucial phase will determine the next president of the nation, as representatives from across the provinces cast their votes in accordance with their constituents' interests and mandates.

Previously, the election commission had announced the schedule for the presidential elections. As per the schedule, nomination papers can be submitted till noon on March 2. The returning officer will scrutinize the nomination papers till March 4 at 10am and the final list of candidates will be displayed on March 5 at 1pm.

“Polling for the presidential election will be held on March 9 from 10am to 4pm in the Parliament House and the four provincial assemblies,” as per the election schedule.

The six-party coalition, which is all set to form a government at the Centre under PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif, has already announced Asif Ali Zardari as its consensus candidate for the country’s top constitutional office. Zardari has previously served as the president from September 2008 to 2013.