MUHAMMAD SALEEM

LAHORE: Kulsoom Nawaz, wife of ousted prime minister, who is contesting NA-120 by-election, left for London, much to the surprise of PML-N opponents amid rumours of differences within the ruling party.

Kulsoom left for London through PIA flight PK 757 on Thursday morning.

“Kulsoom Nawaz, who is facing some health issues, has gone to London for routine medical checkup,” sources said.

On the other hand, the returning officer (RO) of NA-120 accepted the nomination papers of Kulsoom Nawaz after hearing objections.

“There is not much time for investigating reservations as complainants can challenge the decision in appellate tribunal,” the RO said.

Kulsoom was supposed to appear before the returning officer on Thursday, however, Senator Asif Kirmani along with her counsel appeared before him.

The last date to file appeals challenging acceptance or rejection of nomination papers in an election tribunal is August 21 and final decisions will be made by August 24.

Talking to media, Senator Asif Kirmani said that the RO did not find sufficient evidence in objections filed against Kulsoom Nawaz candidature from NA-120 and accepted her nomination papers.

To a query, Kirmani said Kulsoom Nawaz would return to Pakistan soon.

Kirmani said Nawaz lives in people’s hearts and he was disqualified on the basis of “Iqama”.

The NA-120 constituency comprises Sanda, Shamnagar, Chauburji, Islamapura, Sanatnagar, Rajgarh, Riwaz Garden, Mozang, Lake Road, Lower Mall, New Anarkali, Lytton Road, Queens Road, Hall Road, Cooper Road, Mayo Hospital, Urdu Bazaar, Bilal Gunj, Ravi Colony, Kasurpura, Khokhar Town and Mominpura.