Islamabad

The recent intra-party elections of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have once again drawn concerns from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), according to sources. It is disclosed that PTI representatives have been summoned by the ECP’s political finance wing to appear on April 30. This marks the third time the electoral body has raised objections to PTI’s intra-party elections.

PTI submitted documentation related to its intra-party polls to the ECP on March 4, including details of newly-elected party officials, a certificate from the party chief containing Form 65, names of core committee members, and other records. According to the Election Act (2017), all registered political parties in Pakistan must conduct intra-party elections within specified timeframes.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan secured the position of Chairman of PTI unopposed, while Omar Ayub and Yasmeen Rashid were elected unopposed as General Secretary and President of PTI’s Punjab chapter, respectively.

The decision to conduct intra-party polls was influenced by a Supreme Court ruling upholding the ECP’s verdict, resulting in PTI losing its electoral symbol, the bat. PTI sought the certificate of its intra-party election from the ECP on April 9, expressing dissatisfaction with delays. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan mentioned that certifications were issued to parties that held elections after PTI.