Amidst allegations of rigging and tempering results, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) finally released Form 45 on its website.
The release comes after a period of intense legal scrutiny and public outcry over delays in the publication of crucial electoral documents.
The release of Form 45, alongside Forms 46, 48, and 49, follows a directive from the Islamabad High Court, which had been petitioned by lawyers representing Majlis Wahdat al-Muslimeen (MWM).
The MWM had raised objections against the Election Commission's failure to upload the necessary forms, particularly Form 45 and 47, within the stipulated timeframe as per the Election Act.
During the hearing presided over by Chief Justice Aamir Farooq of the Islamabad High Court, lawyers representing MWM, including Iman Zainab Mazari and Abdul Hadi Chattah, argued passionately for adherence to the legal mandate requiring the forms to be uploaded within 14 days following the general elections.
Responding to the concerns raised, Chief Justice Aamir Farooq emphasized the importance of addressing objections before proceeding further, underscoring the need for due process in the legal proceedings.
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, the chief of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, highlighted the significance of timely publication of electoral documents, stressing that the people's mandate must be upheld with utmost integrity and transparency.
The delay in releasing the forms had sparked widespread criticism, with concerns raised over the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. The belated release of Form 45, which provides detailed data on the results of each polling station, is expected to provide greater clarity and insight into the outcome of the elections.
