Imran Khan, the imprisoned founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is set to participate in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, according to an announcement by his party.
PTI Senator Ali Zafar, speaking outside Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, stated that Imran Khan will run in at least three constituencies. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) is expected to deliver its verdict on the Toshakhana case soon, following the election schedule announcement.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was disqualified by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for five years due to corrupt practices revealed in the Toshakhana case verdict on August 8, under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017.
Senator Ali Zafar expressed optimism about the IHC’s judgment on the Toshakhana case and highlighted PTI’s appeal for the suspension of Imran Khan’s conviction. He encouraged party workers to submit nomination papers for the upcoming polls, assuring that those who had faced hardships and legal challenges for the party would be given priority for tickets.
Barrister Gohar, the PTI chief, revealed that Imran Khan plans to contest elections in Lahore, Islamabad, and Mianwali constituencies. He opposed the demand by top lawyers’ bodies for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, asserting that PTI had not made such a demand.
Barrister Gohar claimed that obstacles were being placed in the path of their candidates and alleged the seizure of nomination papers from Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s secretary in Adiala jail. He warned that preventing their candidates from participating in the polls could lead to disturbances in law and order. Gohar urged the election commission and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to ensure a free and fair electoral process in the country.
