Awaam Pakistan has challenged its delisting by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The party has also requested an urgent hearing.
Led by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the party called the ECP decision “arbitrary, unwarranted and unprecedented”.
Abbasi, who serves as the party’s president, raised the matter in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
The letter was dated August 12, 2026. It challenged an ECP notification issued on August 7.
The notification referred to an ECP order dated August 3. That order concerned the “Non-Conduct of intra-party election by Awaam Pakistan”.
Awaam Pakistan Disputes ECP’s Decision
Abbasi said the party had been “taken by surprise” by the ECP notification.
He maintained that Awaam Pakistan had already conducted its intra-party elections. The elections covered its National General Council and national office-bearers.
According to Abbasi, the elections took place between March 26 and April 2, 2026.
He said the party held the polls within an extension granted by the ECP in January 2026.
“The results of the intra-party election and detailed documentation were submitted to the ECP on April 6, 2026,” the letter said.
Abbasi also said 12,846 party members participated in the electoral process.
He described the exercise as “democratic, transparent, and in full compliance with the Elections Act, 2017.”
The party president further argued that the delisting contradicted the record available with the commission.
He also objected to the decision being made “without an opportunity to be heard by the Election Commission”.
“We request an urgent hearing by the commission so that we can clarify our position,” he wrote.
What Does ECP Enlistment Mean for Political Parties?
Article 17 of the Constitution guarantees the right to form political parties. However, parties must meet legal requirements for enlistment with the ECP.
Enlistment is particularly important because it allows a party to obtain an election symbol and contest elections.
Under Section 202 of the Elections Act, 2017, a newly formed party must apply for enlistment within 30 days.
The application must include certified intra-party election results and a copy of the party constitution.
It must also provide details of funding sources and a membership list. The list must contain at least 2,000 members with CNICs and thumb impressions.
Additionally, parties must submit proof of the Rs200,000 non-refundable fee.
What Happens if a Party Fails to Hold Intra-Party Elections?
Section 208 gives the ECP powers to act against parties that fail to conduct intra-party elections within the required timeframe.
The commission may issue a show-cause notice or impose a fine of up to Rs200,000.
However, continued non-compliance can lead to cancellation of a party’s enlistment.
Meanwhile, Section 202(6) provides a legal avenue against such action.
A party whose enlistment is refused or cancelled can appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days.
Awaam Pakistan’s Political Journey
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi launched Awaam Pakistan in 2024 after leaving the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The party contested the February 8, 2024 general elections. However, it did not secure a National Assembly seat.
Since then, Awaam Pakistan has sought to establish itself as an alternative centrist political platform.
With the latest ECP notification, the party has been delisted in accordance with the commission’s August 3 order.
As a result, Awaam Pakistan cannot contest elections under its existing name and election symbol unless it secures re-registration.
