Peshawar, July 28, 2025: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday restrained the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from taking any action against Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, in connection with a notice issued over the alleged non-declaration of assets.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Khurshid Iqbal, issued the interim order while hearing a petition filed by Omar Ayub challenging the ECP’s notice.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that his client had submitted a response to the ECP within the legally prescribed 120-day period. “We have already complied with the requirement; therefore, any further action by the ECP is unjustified,” the counsel argued.
He further maintained that under electoral laws, such notices are only warranted in cases where a public office-holder fails to respond within the stipulated timeframe—something that does not apply in this instance.
The Additional Attorney General (AAG), appearing on behalf of the state, informed the court that a similar case involving Mr Ayub is currently being heard in Abbottabad. In response, the bench deliberated on whether the matter should be transferred to Abbottabad or heard in Peshawar for a consolidated proceeding.
The court adjourned the hearing and extended interim relief, directing the ECP not to initiate any further proceedings against Omar Ayub until the matter is resolved.
The case relates to asset declaration obligations under election laws, which require all public representatives to annually submit their statements of assets and liabilities to the ECP.
