Party Leaders
On Sunday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took a significant step by removing Imran Khan’s name from the list of party leaders in the updated registry of registered political parties.
The once-ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), found itself designated as a party without a leader. Instead, Pervez Khattak’s faction, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarian (PTI-P), took its place among the registered parties.
This move follows the ECP’s declaration on December 22 that PTI’s intra-party elections were null and void. The Commission pointed out that the party had failed to conduct the elections in accordance with its constitution, Election Rules, and the Election Act. Consequently, PTI will not be granted the bat symbol in the upcoming general election.
In an intriguing choice of wording, the ECP referred to Barrister Gohar Khan, associated with PTI, as the “alleged chairman” in its decision. The certificate dated December 4, 2023, and Form-65 filled by Gohar Khan were explicitly regretted and rejected by the Commission.
This development adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape in Pakistan, particularly as the country navigates the path towards the next general election. Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, finds his party facing challenges and internal disputes, leading to the ECP’s decisive action.
As political dynamics evolve, the exclusion of Imran Khan’s name from the list of party leaders and the ECP’s stance on PTI’s intra-party elections could have far-reaching implications. It remains to be seen how PTI responds to these developments and whether the party can address the issues raised by the Election Commission to regain its standing in the political arena.
