In a surprising turn of events, former Prime Minister Imran Khan announced Barrister Gohar Khan as his candidate for the chairman’s post in the intra-party polls, a position he has held for over two decades. This unexpected move follows confusion and internal conflicts within the party over leadership decisions.
Imran, currently facing legal challenges and serving time in jail, has decided to step back from pursuing the chairman’s position. The announcement came after conflicting reports emerged earlier in the day, with some suggesting Imran’s withdrawal from the race, a claim initially dismissed by the party spokesperson.
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A group of lawyers, including Senator Ali Zafar, Barrister Gohar, Umair Niazi, and Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, initially stated that Imran had chosen not to contest the chairman’s position due to legal obstacles. However, the party spokesperson later contradicted this, stating that no decision had been made to withdraw Imran’s name from the election.
Amidst this uncertainty, Marwat stood by his claim, questioning the official statement and insisting that the decisions were made by Chairman PTI in the presence of others during a meeting. The party spokesperson emphasized that an official statement would be released once the leadership reaches a conclusion on important matters, including intra-party elections.
The intra-party polls are scheduled for Saturday, with positions, including the chairman, up for contest. Imran Khan and his sister are confirmed not to participate. The possible candidates for the chairman’s post include Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Hamid Khan, and now Barrister Gohar.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) adjourned the hearing related to Imran Khan’s removal from the party’s chairmanship until December 5, directing PTI’s lawyer, Barrister Gohar, to submit a reply by the next hearing date.
Barrister Gohar Khan, a practicing advocate at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, joined PTI in July 2022. With a legal career spanning diverse areas, he has represented cases in various high courts, boasting over 50 reported judgments. Gohar, who was previously associated with the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian, contested the National Assembly elections in 2008 under their banner before joining PTI.
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