PTI using 'delaying tactics' in polls case

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday issued a detailed statement, claiming that the PTI is using delaying tactics in a case related to its intra-party elections but the polls oversight authority is showing flexibility.

An unnamed ECP spokesperson issued the statement after hearing of a case related to alleged irregularities in the former ruling party's intra-party polls held after the general elections on March 3.

During the hearing presided over by a four-member ECP bench led by one of the polls body's provincial members, Nisar Durrani, PTI Chairman Ali Gohar Khan appeared along with PTI's legal team.

Khan told the bench that the party has approached court to obtain some record from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). "The court has asked the FIA for our record. The FIA has been instructed to provide it to us. We expect to receive the record from the FIA within ten days," he said.

The PTI chief requested an extension until the record is obtained. The ECP accepted the request and adjourned the case until October 22.

Later, in its statement, the ECP said the PTI held new intra-party polls in March 3 but these polls were also marred by flaws. Consequently, the ECP issued a notice to the party on April 23, 2024 and held the first hearing of the case on April 30, 2024.

"From April to October 2024, six hearings were held, but on five occasions, the party requested more time, leading to postponements.

"Even in today's hearing on October 2, the party asked for an adjournment.

"The ECP has consistently shown flexibility in this matter and has given the PTI several opportunities to fulfill its constitutional obligations. However, the responsibility for this sluggishness and delay lies entirely with the concerned party," it said.

The polls oversight authority claimed that it is making every effort to resolve this issue legally and has always demonstrated flexibility.

"The party has repeatedly used delays, which is why this issue remains unresolved," it said.

According to Sections 208 and 209 of the Election Act 2017, all political parties are required to hold intra-party elections within five years according to their party constitution.

The statement said the PTI was supposed to hold its intra-party elections on June 13, 2021, but the elections were not held within the stipulated time.