File photo of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
LAHORE: Continuing their intra-party elections, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was elected as the party chairperson unopposed on Wednesday.
Khan had filed nomination papers for the slot in the presence of election officer Hamid Khan at a local hotel yesterday. However, no other party official filed nomination papers to challenge Khan.
Khan's unopposed election was preceded by intra-party elections that were held across Punjab and in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa in January and February.
The intra-party elections, PTI has maintained, are part of the party's strategy to beat dynastic politics.
Imran Khan has said that there will be a two-term limit on anyone being head of his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), after the upcoming internal party polls to elect a chairperson.
“I will not be a lifetime head of this party because it is against democratic norms and values,” Khan said, addressing a gathering of newly-elected party office bearers at the PTI office here on Tuesday.
He said that unlike the PML-N and PPP, the PTI would not become a “family limited and branded political” party.
COMMENTS (69)
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Imran should boycott jalsas and participate in elections. Instead he is doing the opposite.
Sonami Plus hits Lahore on 23rd March… We all will be there…..INSHALLAH
@Falcon: Conspiracy theories don’t suit a wise man like you. Thanks a lot for complements.No its not conspiracy theory but some projections based on likely possibilities.
@John the Baptist:
Let me guess buddy, a comment can only be deemed "Substantive" by an average follower of Deen-e-Imrani if it reads the following:
A) Oh IK is so handsome B) IK is the only politician who went to Oxford C) IK won the 1992 World Cup (All by himself) D) IK made the only cancer treating hospital on the entire planet (On donated land and money) E) IK says that he'll bring CHANGE D) IK is Soonami F) IK is against status-quo (Even if the likes of Hashmi, Shah Mehmood, Kasuri and Tareen are part of the CHANGE Party) G) IK is and was a fierce opponent of Musharraf (Even though IK won the only seat he would ever win in his entire lifetime with the help of the same Musharraf and Agencies) H) IK is a messiah for the poor and the downtrodden and has been leading a struggle since 1996 (But he jet sets in Private Lear Jets, Lives in a 300 Kanal palatial abode purchased through a Beenami Transaction, resides in plush 5 star accomodations around the world of while in London, stays at the mansion of his ex-wife at Kiddington Hall, Oxfordshire)
:D :D
When Imran will bring dollar from 100 to 50 I wonder what his opponent say: this is not due to Imran rather its Intrrnational paradgms changed! keep criticising and found nothing!!
Imran khan has been elected unopposed as PTI Chairman. It's a good omen in Pakistani dynastic political culture that a new precedent has been set apart from Jumat-e- Islami. He must limit his stint to two terms in letter and spirit and must not pull the strings from behind the scene, after he has completed his tems, as in the case of some parties which just install figureheads and real powers lie in the hands of the founders of the parties or their next of kins. This will surely help end the dynastic politics in the country, and so get us rid of nincompoop leaders who have brought Pakistan to this pass. Good luck Imran Khan!
PTI ruling Mafia has successfully maneuvered to get elected its all-corrupt partners…
One of them is Amir Kiyani who is involved in wheeling dealing of lands within the party… Number of complaints and substantial evidence of his land scams is available and in the knowledge of the Chairman… Even he hasn’t declared his assets as per the party rules…
Amir Kiyani has been elected unopposed as Central Vice President…
Fauzia Kasuri nominations papers were rejected whose credentials are established and have sufficient evidence on surrendering her dual nationality was made available to Hamid Khan…
Blatant rigging took place with total one-sided umpiring…
How can such a leadership can be trusted with the faith of Pakistan?
I do not want to divulge into the humiliation Javed Hashmi had had to endure at the hands of Omar Cheema today but can someone from the Troll Brigade care to explain the objections raised by Omar Cheema, please pay close attention to objection # 4:
That for the intra party elections at central level level playing ground wasn’t provided as his opponent Javed Hashmi is contesting election while remaining as President.
That Javed Hashim has admitted on camera that he had taken money in Mehran Scandal case.
That according to party election rules a physically and mentally disabled person cannot run for the office.
That for the election of Secretary General (SG) a rule was made that the SG and the Chairman cannot be from the same province, why this rule is not applied on the election of president and the vice chairman.
@Blithe:
Your daughter can join politics if she has some brains. If she is fit to be a dancer, she must join a dance troup!
@aneela:
Why don't you brush your own teeth every now and then instead of worrying about haathi kay daant?
Pathetic comments utterly devoid of any sbstance!
Many congrats to PTI on achieving this significant milestone. With all due respect, I somehow fail to understand how can people possibly criticize IK since he has not been in power yet. Atleast wait till the time he comes to power and see if he does not meet their expectations. How can people criticize him for being Chairperson for 17 years of a party which has struggled its way through and yet remain silent on leaderships of PML-N and PPP. Let's appreciate the fact that PTI is the only political party in the history of Pakistan to have carried free and fair intra party elections It's time for all of us to contribute as a Nation, make our vote count keeping aside loyalties to individuals/ parties. It should undoubtedly be PAKISTAN FIRST!!!
I thought PTI is a democratic party and will set an example bt.........???
Imran khan is an immature poltician ..folloing the other parties n the people think he will bring changes but my opionion is.hathi k dant khanai k aur au
r dikhanai k aur.
@Salman:
Easy there partner! Instead of giving us lessons on Shame & Morality 101, you might want pass on your moral pearls of wisdom to your erstwhile leader who still deems it necessary to serve out two more terms as Chairman (Elected Unopposed) despite being at the helm of affairs since 1996.
Elected after Intra Party elections in KPK and Punjab only ? what about Sindh, Baluchistan, FATA and GB ... is PTI not contesting general elections in these areas. or is this a proof of being a B-Team of PPP.
@zacki: because elections held first time. and party properly started now. in last 16 year only 10-15 fifteen people were working and now party has 80,000 elected position. try to understand if u want
@Multan: because elections held first time. and party properly started now. in last 16 year only 10-15 fifteen people were working and now party has 80,000 elected position. try to understand if u want
IK shame on u. whats the drama
@Tanoli: Intra party election are started 1st time in party and he clearly mentioned that he will left after two terms. Another other leader have even courage to say this?
@ABS: But you should know that JI member are very few even less than 0.1 million while PTI have 7 million members.
Haters will hate and we will continue making history. Imran Khan I wish you the very best of luck. We are doing everything to help you save Pakistan. InshAllah we are going to win and make Pakistan a better, stronger nation.
@sabi: Conspiracy theories don't suit a wise man like you.
Only 11 seats have gone uncontested out of total 52 national leadership seats...this is an impressive number, next time around, I can bet this will be reduced to few.
@waleed: You didn't mention why did you arrive at this conclusion? Secondly, in today's Pakistan, who is cut out for politics, Nawaz / Zardari / Altaf Hussain? Lastly, in your view, is politics an opportunity to serve people or a Machiavellian selfish exercise to gain access to power and resources?
After two terms you will be in your seventies an age of retirement.You said you would quit politics if party elect your son as chaireperson.Clever! you know how old are your son and by the time your son get to a mature age you will be in ninties.Why you speak on behalf of your children are not they supposed to make their own decision?.
Imran khan zindabad, all those opposing him should be ashamed of themselves
Good trend and standard set by IK and PTI. Wish you all the best for coming general elections.
I have been supporting PTI since its inception but after 17 years now I can conclude that Imran is not made for politics; he was born to play cricket and he played magnificently. Politics is far more difficult than sports, PTI is going to be an another pressure group like JI or PAT.
@Adnan Siddiqi: FYI...As reported in Dawn: "Makhdoom Javed Hashmi will contest Umar Sarfraz Cheema for the post of party president while for vice-chairman’s slot, Bakhtiar Qusoori and Saifullah will challenge Shah Mehmood Qureshi".
@Adnan Siddiqi: Brother you can laugh and try to trivialize it but do you have a single "Tailor Master or a Paan shop guy" at any position of importance to show for the 30 plus years of PMLn? Anyways its just the start,if IK,Shah Mehmood or Javed Hashmi dont deliver,these tailor masters and paan shop guys will replace them
@Ricky: real shock will come in two months time when IK takes oath as PM. better book your flight to jeddah, you might get better rates right now. oh, and please book an extra seat for Mr. Adnan Siddiqui too. its a longish flight, you'll need a shoulder to cry on (and vice versa).
@Blithe: Why do you hold Imran Khan to different standards? How many of the above mentioned qualities do you really see in the rest of the so called leaders?Imran Khan admits that he has made mistakes. What we should be looking for is how much the country benefitted from their time in office versus their private fortunes,how much taxes do they pay,or what is the state of democracy with in their parites.And ,for the sake of discussion,how can you be so sure of the romantic lives of the other leaders?
Congratulations PTI on its ability to create such drama and hyperbole out of absolutely nothing but fake promises of "NEW & UNIQUE" intra party elections!
IK - Party Chairman Javed Hashmi - President Shah Mehmood - Vice Chairman Azam Swati - Senior Vice President
All unopposed!
Where is the Tailor Master and the guy running a paan cabin who have been hearing so much about?
I am just glad that this Soap Opera ended on such a "Principled" note :D
@ All brothers who are counting his 17 year terms for elections; party wasn't mature and no elections were held, Imran never had contested term. Its simple, if you want to understand.
As expected from a cult which revolves around the persona of Imran "David Koresh" Khan! Did I miss the element of CHANGE here? Can someone help me, please. Going forward, I would appreciate if the PTI Sheep Herd would henceforth refrain from criticizing parties who do not have the members with enough guts to stand-up to their respective Chairmen.
premier slot will be next in waiting for Ik
REALLY????
I though IK will break this insane tradition to become unopposed chairman or head of the political parties in Pakistan. Frankly, it seems no difference between PTI, PPP, MQM and PMLN, :( If this is the change we are promised- better leave the slogan :( :(
IK has been chairman of the party for the past 17-18 years and now he has been SELECTED chairman once again... what is the term of his new designation? I have serious reservation on this development. DISAPPOINTMENT :( :(
Congrats Imran Khan....you deserve to be the chairperson....you have done so much for this party....you have made us all think about what we can do to change Pakistan .....we know it well now.....i.e. to vote for you and PTI in the next party elections I used to be a supporter of PML (N) but no more.....no way......
Boy I am shocked at the results. After a couple of decades of dictatorial powers finally IK is starting his only two terms now! Apparently he does not have much political capital to bring in his rich family to Pakistan. They don't want to come over and live here anyway.
Good luck pakistan!
As expected, no one can dare stand in front of the lifetime Chairman. IK has been occupying the Chairmanship for the past 18 years and now intends to stick on for another 2 terms!
His real assets, ie, his next generation (21 yr old daughter and 15 & 17 yr old sons) does not want to come to Pakistan but prefer to enjoy the luxuries of UK.... If he has failed to attract his real assets to Pakistan, it is very logical that he will fail to convince Pakistani voters the same way he has failed to woo voters in the past.
Vice Chairman will continue to be Makhdoomzada Shah Mahmood Qureshi ever since the day he jumped PTI bandwagon during General Pasha days. Similarly, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi will continue to be President "elected, unopposed"!!!
He has been the Chairman from 90s ....ironic!!! isn't it
@salman k: not first time. JI does that too. And there election is far more fool proof if you know the mechanism. Nevertheless - Good work PTI & IK.
his sons may not join but his cousins and immediate family have. They expect to profit as well.
@SA: "“Blithe” your thoughts are disgusting !" . Blithe, that really is disgusting if you call Jem's sons as daughters. Perhaps she won't like it.
Change the whole universe is waiting !
all the best captaan ................long live khan saab
All the best Imran! You are the best hope for the country.
Its ironic to see that some people when unable to get any valid argument against Imran Khan resort to such cheap tactics like talking about his daughter, declaring his sons jews and so on. Somebody provide them with mirrors that they see their faces after making such idiotic comments.
Was secretly hoping someone would symbolically contest for the Chairman slot against Khan, to uphold democratic norms.
Poor guy cannot be a lifetime head of his own party like BB and Sharif. What a pity!!!
bravo..............IK all the very best, you have already stirred Pakistani so called political scene, and given the whole nation a new zeal to look forward to the next elections with atleast some optimism. SIncere wishes and prayers for your success
imran khan completed his promise by conducting intra party elections. First time in Pakistan's history has a party elected itself from grass root level.
as expected
Congratulations.......
PTI will allow only two terms of chairmanship and each term will consist of 17 years :)
"Blithe" your thoughts are disgusting !
@Blithe: Any one's daughter or son can join politics but he/she should not be given due favor. This is the issue..Mariam Nawaz or Bhutto family will lead the party and they don't leave the reigns of power to party worker..I think you know it better but still...
you have been the chairman since the last 16 years why doesnt that count towards your own two term limit?!
Congrats Imran Khan! In 54 days you will be our PM too insha'Allah
Imran khan deserves to be the chairman without any shadow of doubt but in case he fails to deliver, the members would at least have an option to elect new leadership in the next intra party elections , why because there will have an option. Also as he has announced Chairman wont be able to serve more than two terms which sounds more democratic unlike other parties with eternal chairman.
@M A: Atleast a fair election is held for all other slots. As far as the slot for the chairman is concerned, IK is the founder of PTI. You can't expect the founder to lose or be challenged in the very first election.
He deserves the post. All the best Imran, your country is waiting!
I wish him best of luck. And I also want to wish some wisdom and prudence to the poor Pakistanis who have been fooled by PPP and PML-N during the last 5 years.
Good Precedence, Much Appreciated. Wish that our main stream parties follow.
Congrats Imran--full charge ahead now!
PTI is Pakistan Tahreek-e-Imran. No other person has guts to contest.
Congrats Imran Khan, the very best wishes for your success. Lead by example and keep inspiring people. God bless you and our Pakistan. Ameen
Family limited party ?!?!?
Why can't your daughter join politics!!?!