PTI set to hold intra-party polls today

Party spokesperson asserts 'conspiracies' to sideline Imran from political landscape to fall flat

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to conduct the crucial intra-party elections on Saturday (today) to fulfil the requirement of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to retain its party symbol 'Bat;.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, recently nominated for the role of party chairman as a temporary arrangement, formally submitted his nomination papers.

In a statement released by PTI's official account, the nomination papers of Gohar were submitted to Returning Officer Advocate Sardar Bharji Khan, in the presence of PTI Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Advocate Niazullah Niazi.

Barrister Gohar emerged as the sole candidate for the chairman's election as no other leader came forward to file papers for the slot within the specified deadline.

Earlier, PTI officially announced that Imran Khan would refrain from contesting the intra-party polls due to legal constraints, with Gohar set to stand in his place as a provisional measure.

The ECP's directive to hold intra-party elections within 20 days to retain the bat as the party's symbol prompted PTI's expeditious preparations.

In an official statement, a PTI spokesperson lauded Imran Khan's role in championing democratic values within the party, emphasising PTI's concerted efforts in holding genuine intra-party elections.

The spokesperson highlighted last year's elections conducted in adherence to the law.

Despite alleged illegitimate pressure from the ECP, the spokesperson reaffirmed PTI's commitment to legal compliance by proceeding with the intra-party elections.

Stressing merit over dynastic politics, the spokesperson praised Gohar as a dedicated and capable party worker chosen for the chairman's position.

‘Minus-Imran formula to fall flat’

The PTI spokesperson further alleged that the elements who want to sideline PTI chief Imran Khan from the politics and electoral process “through conspiracy and oppression have once again sent their touts and agents into the field against intra-party elections”.

He expressed resolve against efforts aiming to exclude Imran from the political landscape. He asserted that these conspiracies are going to fail like before and PTI will move towards its destination within the framework of constitution, law and democratic values.

Undeterred by alleged conspiracies, the party reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional and democratic values.
The PTI spokesperson's statement underscored the party's commitment to fostering democracy and adherence to the rule of law through the intra-party elections, which he claimed sets it apart from traditional political parties dominating the nation's political landscape for decades.

Akbar S. Khan to approach ECP

However, PTI founding member Akbar S. Khan expressed concerns about the party’s procedures for its intra-party polling system, implying his intention to bring up the matter with the ECP.

Accompanied by several others, Babar paid a visit to the party’s central secretariat in Islamabad.Addressing reporters, he clarified that their visit aimed to gather details about the upcoming intra-party polls, including the process for nomination papers and voter lists.

“Our group comprises many PTI founding members who are eager to engage in this election. We seek clarity on the protocols and urge for the timely provision of nomination papers to enable our full participation in tomorrow’s elections,” he explained.

Later, during a conversation on a private news channel, Babar clarified that his intention wasn't to create controversy around the intra-party polls.

"However, this issue has gained significant gravity today, and the PTI's symbol, the bat, might face greater vulnerability. Perhaps it's our duty to bring forth these irregularities to the ECP," he stated, hinting at the likelihood of personally reaching out to the electoral watchdog.