MIANWALI: Despite facing roadblocks and disqualification, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had his nomination papers submitted for the upcoming general elections from Mianwali, his home constituency.
Khan had his nomination papers submitted for the National Assembly’s NA-89 constituency. PTI leader Umar Bodla appeared on the former prime minister’s behalf.
Imran Khan, a former international cricket star and the 70-year-old founder of PTI, has been at the center of a political crisis since being ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022.
He was sentenced to three years in jail on charges of selling state gifts during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, a conviction that bars him from contesting elections for five years.
While his plea to overturn the conviction was rejected by the Islamabad High Court, the Supreme Court granted him bail in a separate victory for his legal team.
Despite his legal challenges, Khan remains a significant figure in PTI’s voter base. The general elections in Pakistan are scheduled for February 8, 2024, and political parties are actively campaigning.
Economic stabilization and political uncertainty are key issues facing the incoming government. While the political landscape remains fluid, it’s suggested that a coalition government may be likely, given that no party currently commands a majority.
Despite Imran Khan’s stepping down as PTI chairman and handing over leadership to Barrister Gohar Khan, the party faces challenges heading into the polls. Imran Khan’s influence on PTI’s vote bank remains evident, and the party is navigating the political landscape amidst his legal battles and disqualification.
