Leadership
GILGIT: In a significant turn of events, former Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister Khalid Khursheed finds himself disqualified for life from assuming leadership within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) GB chapter. This development comes on the heels of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court’s earlier decision on July 4, which revoked Khalid Khursheed Khan’s position as chief minister in light of a fake degree case.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Gilgit-Baltistan, in a recent verdict released on Thursday, cemented Khalid Khursheed’s exclusion from leading the party, marking a lifetime disqualification. The ruling emanated from a petition filed by Shahzad Agha, a member of the GB Assembly, who contended that Khursheed’s law degree was fraudulent, warranting disqualification under Articles 62 and 63.
The petitioner’s argument centered on the authenticity of Khursheed’s claimed law degree from London, which, upon scrutiny, could not be substantiated. The three-member bench presiding over the case announced the verdict, upholding the petitioner’s stance against the former chief minister.
Khalid Khursheed had assumed office in December 2020, holding the position of chief minister in Gilgit-Baltistan. Notably, he had been a trusted confidant and close aide of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister.
This disqualification adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape in Gilgit-Baltistan, as the PTI GB chapter now faces the challenge of redefining its leadership in the wake of Khursheed’s lifetime ban. The case also underscores the ongoing scrutiny of political figures under Articles 62 and 63, emphasizing the importance of credibility and integrity in public office.
