The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has again taken a strong stance in the dispute over leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). ECP refuses to recognise Barrister Gohar as PTI chairman, the commission said in a formal letter to the party’s office. The move comes amid ongoing legal battles over PTI’s intra-party election results.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had written to the Election Commission requesting official recognition as PTI chairman. He also asked the ECP to allow independent senators to join the party’s ranks. However, the ECP rejected both requests in the reply dated November 26. ECP refuses to recognise Barrister Gohar as PTI chairman, the letter stated, saying he lacks legal authority to lead the party.
According to officials, the PTI intra-party election case is still before the Lahore High Court. A court-issued stay order has paused final legal decisions on the party’s organisational structure. For this reason, the ECP said it cannot legally accept Gohar as chairman.
At a press briefing, Barrister Gohar confirmed he received the commission’s response. He said the ECP has not yet recognised the intra-party election process nor issued a certificate for the results. Gohar announced he plans to challenge the ECP’s decision in court.
The Election Commission also dismissed his request to include independent senators in PTI. The ECP said Gohar has no legal right to add members to the party while the leadership dispute is unresolved. This decision affects several senators elected as independents who had allied with PTI in the Senate.
The decision adds to ongoing political uncertainty within PTI. The party has faced multiple legal and administrative challenges since its candidates contested the February 2024 general elections as independents. Independent lawmakers later joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to claim reserved seats.
In July 2024, the Supreme Court recognised PTI as a parliamentary party and allowed some lawmakers to be treated as PTI members. However, legal clarity on party leadership has remained elusive. The ECP’s refusal to recognise Gohar keeps the issue in the courts.
Political observers say the matter highlights broader challenges in Pakistan’s political system. Leadership disputes and court interventions have slowed the normal functioning of major parties. PTI leaders say they will continue legal efforts to secure recognition and resolve the dispute.
The ECP’s move is likely to have political and electoral implications ahead of future polls. How the courts respond will shape PTI’s organisational future and member rights within the party.
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