The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is poised to conduct essential intra-party elections on Saturday, satisfying the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) requirement to retain its party symbol ‘Bat.’ Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, recently appointed as the interim party chairman, has formally submitted his nomination papers.
According to a statement from PTI’s official account, Gohar’s nomination papers were presented to Returning Officer Advocate Sardar Bharji Khan, in the presence of PTI Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Advocate Niazullah Niazi. Gohar emerged as the sole candidate for the chairman’s election as no other leader submitted papers for the position within the specified deadline.
Earlier, PTI announced that Imran Khan would not participate in the intra-party polls due to legal constraints, with Gohar standing in his place as a temporary measure. The ECP’s directive to hold intra-party elections within 20 days to retain the ‘Bat’ as the party’s symbol prompted PTI to expedite its preparations.
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In an official statement, a PTI spokesperson commended Imran Khan for championing democratic values within the party and emphasized PTI’s commitment to holding genuine intra-party elections. Despite alleged pressure from the ECP, the spokesperson reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to legal compliance.
The spokesperson stressed merit over dynastic politics, praising Gohar as a dedicated and capable party worker chosen for the chairman’s position.
Regarding alleged efforts to sideline Imran Khan, the spokesperson asserted that conspiracies aiming to exclude him from the political landscape will fail, and PTI will continue within the framework of the constitution, law, and democratic values.
However, PTI founding member Akbar S. Khan expressed concerns about the party’s intra-party polling procedures, hinting at bringing up the matter with the ECP. Accompanied by others, he visited the party’s central secretariat in Islamabad to gather details about the upcoming intra-party polls, including the process for nomination papers and voter lists. Babar clarified that their intention was not to create controversy but to address irregularities to the ECP, indicating a potential personal approach to the electoral watchdog.
