Peshawar — The Peshawar High Court on January 21, 2026, dismissed a petition filed by former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur challenging an Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) notice seeking details about his declared properties.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Mohammad Faheem Wali pronounced the short order, noting that no adverse action has been taken against Gandapur so far by the ECP. The court had reserved its verdict after hearing arguments in November 2025.
Key Highlights
- Peshawar High Court rejected Ali Amin Gandapur’s petition against ECP notice on January 21, 2026.
- ECP notice dated November 20, 2024, sought clarification on 735 kanals and 12 marlas of land declared sold in Gandapur’s 2024 assets statement.
- Court observed no adverse proceedings initiated yet; petition deemed premature.
- ECP counsel argued notice issued under Section 137(4) of Elections Act, 2017, to verify potential false declaration, punishable by up to three years imprisonment and Rs100,000 fine.
- Gandapur’s lawyer claimed notice was mala fide, politically motivated, and reopened a pre-election scrutinised asset statement.
- In contrast, court accepted petition by provincial Housing Minister Amjid Ali against ECP’s reference to KP Assembly speaker for his disqualification.
- Amjid’s counsel argued disputed 200-kanal property claim from 2018 lacked evidence; local officials denied knowledge, and speaker returned ECP reference.
The ECP notice required Gandapur to submit the ownership documents and the sale deed for the land within 15 days. His counsel contended the matter had been cleared during the election scrutiny by the returning officers, and the fresh demand lacked a legal basis.
ECP maintained the notice aimed to verify compliance under the Elections Act, with no disqualification proceedings started. The court agreed the challenge was premature, as the commission could still close the matter after Gandapur’s response.
Separately, the bench granted relief to Housing Minister Amjid Ali, halting further ECP action on a disputed property claim from 2018 that was absent in his 2024 declaration. Officials from Swat confirmed no record of the land belonging to him.
The rulings reinforce judicial scrutiny of electoral accountability while ensuring due process. Pakistan’s institutions continue to uphold transparency and rule of law in handling asset declarations and public office holders.
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