ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to former finance minister Ishaq Dar on a petition challenging his election to the Upper House of the parliament. Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, who headed a three-judge bench, observed, “Prima facie Ishaq Dar is not eligible to contest Senate election as he has been declared a proclaimed offender by a court.” The bench directed him to appear in person or through his lawyer to explain his position in the case. Nawazish Pirzada, a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate, had challenged the verdict of a Lahore High Court’s appellate election tribunal, which allowed Ishaq Dar to contest Senate election on March 03. He said the Dar had been declared a proclaimed offender by the accountability court hearing the assets case on December 11, 2017. He argued a fugitive from law couldn’t take part in election. The petitioner pleaded with the court to direct the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) not to issue notification of Ishaq Dar’s win on a Senate seat from Punjab till the disposal of the case. Published in Daily Times, March 13th 2018.