ISLAMABAD: In an unexpected move, former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has decided not to participate in the scheduled intra-party elections for the top post.
PTI Senior Vice-President Sher Afzal Marwat confirmed Imran Khan’s decision, stating that the PTI Core Committee formally approved holding the intra-party polls within the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) designated 20-day timeframe.
Another PTI senior leader, Senator Ali Zafar, who met with Imran Khan today in Adila Jail, also confirmed that they discussed candidates for chairmanship in the intra-party elections.
Although the elections are scheduled, there is uncertainty regarding the top slot. Barrister Gohar Khan, the PTI lawyer in the Intra-party case in ECP, mentioned that the decision would be announced on Friday, three days from now. Imran’s decision not to participate is attributed to his disqualification as a parliamentarian for five years in the Toshakhana case, where he was found involved in “corrupt practices by intentionally and willfully concealing the benefits obtained from the national exchequer.”
PTI spokesperson Shoaib Shaheen told media that the party has yet to decide on Imran’s successor as the chairman, with a final name expected after a party delegation meets the incarcerated ex-premier in Adiala jail. Media reports suggest that Imran Khan would not contest the election for the party chairman, and someone else from the party would be nominated for the top position. It was revealed that Imran conveyed this decision to the party’s core committee from prison.
The intra-party elections are expected to cover various organizational positions, including the posts of party chairman and vice-chairman. Insiders mentioned that Imran Khan would personally approve all decisions related to the party’s organizational matters, including endorsing the new chairman and overseeing the distribution of party tickets.
‘PTI Contradictory Statements on Imran Khan’s Intra-Party Elections
Responding to the reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vehemently refuted “speculations” surrounding the election of a new party chairman.
In an official statement released on its official handle on X, the party led by Imran Khan also dismissed statements from senior leaders related to the election of the new party chief, emphasizing that discussions are ongoing on all crucial matters regarding the intra-party elections.
پاکستان تحریک انصاف کے انٹرا پارٹی انتخابات کے انعقاد اور چیئرمین عمران خان کے نئی مدت کیلئے انتخاب میں حصہ لینے کا معاملہ
پاکستان تحریک انصاف کی انٹراپارٹی انتخاب کے حوالے سے میڈیا میں کی جانے والی قیاس آرائیوں کی سختی سے تردید
چیئرمین تحریک انصاف عمران خان کے الیکشن کمیشن…
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 28, 2023
The PTI leaders appeared to be divided on the issue of the party chairman election. Barrister Umair Niaz, the PTI chief’s focal person on legal affairs, said that the decision to elect a new party chairman hinges on the Toshakhana verdict, which disqualified the party chairman for five years. The matter is presently pending before the Islamabad High Court (IHC). He added that if the verdict favors Imran, he will continue as the party head, and a new party chairman will be announced after the court ruling.
Contrastingly, PTI Senior Vice President Marwat, speaking to the media outside Adiala jail, stated that he discussed the matter of electing a new party chairman with the incarcerated leader. He conveyed to Imran Khan that the threat of disqualification looms, and the reasons for his removal from the post of party chairman are under discussion by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
He further stated that due to legal hurdles, Imran Khan will not be a candidate for the party chief, and consensus has been reached on conducting intra-party polls.
