Blow to PTI as Imran Khan’s Nomination Papers Rejected in Lahore & Mianwali

“PTI founder has been convicted,” returning officer of NA-122 constituency says; however, appeal can be filed.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan encountered a significant blow as his nomination papers for the National Assembly constituencies NA-122 in Lahore and NA-89 in Mianwali were rejected by provincial election commission officials. The rejection comes as a major setback for PTI, particularly as the party grapples with various legal challenges, including cases related to the May 9 riots, with key leaders like Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi currently in custody.

The returning officer assigned to scrutinize the nomination papers for NA-122 cited Imran Khan’s previous five-year disqualification in the Toshakhana case as the basis for the decision. Objections raised by PML-N’s Mian Naseer included claims that Khan’s proposer and seconder did not belong to NA-122. Additionally, objections were raised on Khan’s nomination papers for NA-89 Mianwali, questioning his eligibility due to allegations ranging from Toshakhana disqualification to personal matters.

Read more: PTI leaders are permitted to meet with Imran in jail for elections ordered by IHC

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) also rejected the nomination papers of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi for multiple constituencies, along with former federal minister Hammad Azhar’s papers. Notably, Azam Swati and Zulfi Bukhari’s nomination papers were also rejected earlier in the day.

While there is a window for appeal until January 3, the Appellate Tribunal will decide on these appeals by January 10. The revised list of candidates is scheduled for publication on January 11.

Read more: Imran Khan’s details of assets shared!

Apart from legal challenges, PTI faces political hurdles, including Maintenance of Public Order notifications against workers and leaders in connection with the May 9 incidents. The party is also at risk of losing its electoral symbol, the “bat,” as the ECP filed a review petition against a court order that had initially restored the symbol, raising concerns about the party’s electoral prospects.