Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced its ticket distribution strategy. Party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali stated that individuals who have chosen to abandon the party during challenging times will not be granted party tickets. Specifically, those who have publicly announced their departure from the PTI through press conferences will not be considered as potential candidates.
The PTI has expressed concerns over more than 50 incidents across the country where nomination papers of PTI candidates were allegedly taken away. In light of these incidents, the PTI chief emphasized the need for fair and transparent elections, highlighting the importance of an equitable electoral process.
This statement from the PTI chairman comes as the party has witnessed the departure of several key figures following the May 9 riots. Former planning minister Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, and Maleeka Bokhari are among the leaders who have left the party. The PTI has also raised concerns about the challenges they are facing in their preparations for the upcoming elections, claiming that state machinery is being employed to interfere and hinder their progress. They have reported incidents of candidates being arrested, abducted, and intimidated, while access to nomination papers has been restricted.
During a meeting with PTI’s founder chairman Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar Khan spoke to the media and conveyed Imran Khan’s joy upon the restoration of the party’s ‘bat’ electoral symbol, which was previously taken away by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) but subsequently restored by the Peshawar High Court. Barrister Gohar Ali announced the party’s plans to challenge the cypher case in the high court, seeking an open trial if necessary. He also mentioned their intention to seek bail for PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi to ensure his participation in the elections. The party has made efforts to notify the ECP about the restoration of the bat symbol on their website and has submitted evidence to address concerns about intimidation faced by their supporters and proposers.
Highlighting the significance of fair elections in sustaining the economy, Barrister Gohar Ali emphasized that the law does not permit the confiscation of election symbols from any political party. The PTI remains committed to pursuing their cause through legal channels and ensuring a level playing field for the upcoming elections.
