The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified nine lawmakers belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), following their convictions in connection with the events of May 9, 2023. The disqualified members include key figures such as Senate Opposition Leader Senator Shibli Faraz and National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan.
The ECP issued an official notification on August 5, 2025, stating that the decision to de-notify the lawmakers was based on verdicts issued by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad. These rulings, handed down on July 31, resulted in criminal convictions and sentencing in three separate cases tied to the May 9 incidents.
The lawmakers were disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution of Pakistan. This clause disqualifies any person from holding public office if they are convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude and sentenced to a prison term of more than two years—unless a competent court suspends or overturns the conviction.
List of Disqualified Lawmakers:
- Senator Syed Shibli Faraz (Opposition Leader in the Senate)
- Omar Ayub Khan, MNA from NA-18 Haripur (Opposition Leader in the National Assembly)
- Rai Haider Ali Khan, MNA from NA-96 Faisalabad-II
- Sahibzada Muhammad Hamid Raza, MNA from NA-104 Faisalabad-X
- Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, MNA from NA-143 Sahiwal-II
- Zartaj Gul, MNA from NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan-II
- Muhammad Ansar Iqbal, MPA from PP-73 Sargodha-II
- Junaid Afzal Sahi, MPA from PP-98 Faisalabad-I
- Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal, MPA from PP-203 Sahiwal-VI
As a result of these disqualifications, all nine individuals have been stripped of their respective seats in the Senate, National Assembly, and Provincial Assemblies.
The ECP notification further confirmed that the seats held by the disqualified lawmakers are now officially vacant. In accordance with electoral regulations, by-elections will be announced to fill these vacant positions.
These disqualifications mark a significant setback for PTI, particularly as the party continues to navigate legal and political challenges stemming from the widespread violence and unrest that occurred in May 2023. The legal proceedings against several party leaders have intensified over recent months, contributing to mounting political instability and uncertainty within the opposition ranks.
The ECP’s move reflects a firm adherence to constitutional provisions and legal accountability. Observers note that the disqualification of prominent figures such as Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub may alter the opposition dynamics within both houses of Parliament, ahead of upcoming legislative sessions and political negotiations.
