ISLAMABAD: In a significant development that deepens the political crisis facing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday disqualified two prominent party members following their convictions in cases linked to the violent events of May 9, 2023.
According to an official notification issued by the ECP, Malik Ahmed Khan Bachar, the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, and Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from NA-66 Wazirabad, have been disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution.
The disqualifications follow their sentencing by an anti-terrorism court, which handed both lawmakers a 10-year prison term for their involvement in a vandalism case related to the May 9 riots.
The notification explained that their disqualifications are a direct consequence of their convictions, as Article 63(1)(h) bars individuals from serving in parliament if they have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude and sentenced to more than two years in prison.
As a result, the ECP also announced the immediate de-notification of both Chattha and Bachar as returned candidates for their respective constituencies—PP-87 Mianwali-III for Malik Ahmed Khan Bachar and NA-66 Wazirabad for Mohammad Ahmed Chattha.
The vandalism case against them was registered in Mianwali, one of several legal proceedings launched after widespread violence erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a corruption case on May 9, 2023.
In a related move, the ECP also disqualified PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, who was likewise sentenced to 10 years in prison by the anti-terrorism court in a separate but related case. The ECP declared that Senator Chaudhry, in light of his conviction, no longer meets the constitutional criteria to remain a member of the Senate.
The events of May 9, now commonly referred to as the “May 9 mayhem,” marked one of the most turbulent episodes in Pakistan’s recent political history. The unrest erupted following the arrest of Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises, triggering nationwide protests.
Many of these demonstrations turned violent, with protestors storming and vandalizing public and military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence, commonly known as Jinnah House.
In the aftermath of the protests, security forces launched a nationwide crackdown, arresting hundreds of PTI leaders and supporters. While some were later granted bail, a significant number remain incarcerated. The PTI founder himself has been behind bars since August 2023 and faces a long list of legal charges ranging from corruption and sedition to terrorism.
These latest disqualifications are expected to further diminish PTI’s political clout, especially in Punjab where Malik Ahmed Khan Bachar held a key leadership position. Political analysts view these moves as part of a broader legal offensive against PTI, which has been under sustained pressure since Imran Khan’s ouster from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.
The disqualifications also raise questions about the future of PTI’s electoral prospects and the overall stability of the political landscape in the lead-up to Pakistan’s next general elections.
