In the midst of what the PTI perceives as deliberate efforts to undermine its electoral campaign, party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali declared on Wednesday that the party would not grant tickets to individuals who have publicly abandoned the party during challenging times.
He stated that those who have publicly announced their departure from the PTI through press conferences would not be considered for party tickets.
Read more: PTI regains “BAT” as PHC suspends ECP decision
Expressing concern over more than 50 reported incidents nationwide where nomination papers of PTI candidates were allegedly confiscated, the PTI chief called for fair and transparent elections, emphasizing the need for an impartial electoral process.
The PTI chairman’s statement comes as the party grapples with the departure of key figures following the May 9 riots. Several members have defected to other parties, formed splinter groups, or opted to withdraw from the political arena altogether. Notable leaders, including former planning minister Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, and Maleeka Bokhari, have left the party.
Furthermore, the PTI alleges significant challenges in election preparations, claiming that state machinery is being used to interfere and hinder its efforts before the upcoming elections on February 8. There are reports of several candidates being arrested and abducted, while others have faced intimidation leading to the closure of nomination papers.
Read more: PTI Faces Obstacles: Alleged Harassment and Challenges During Nomination Process
After a meeting with PTI’s founder chairman Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar Khan conveyed Imran Khan’s satisfaction at the restoration of the party’s ‘bat’ electoral symbol, which was initially taken away by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) but reinstated by the Peshawar High Court.
The PTI chairman announced plans to challenge the cypher case in the high court, seeking an open trial if necessary. Additionally, he expressed intentions to seek bail for PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi to enable his participation in the elections, highlighting the party’s efforts to inform the ECP about the restoration of the bat symbol on its website.
Addressing concerns about the intimidation faced by their supporters and proposers, Barrister Gohar Ali indicated that the PTI has submitted evidence to the ECP. Stressing the importance of fair elections for the economy, he underscored that the law prohibits the confiscation of election symbols from any political party.