PTI to elect new chairman as Imran Khan pulls out of race. Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has opted not to participate in the upcoming intra-party elections for the top position.
This decision marks the conclusion of his longstanding tenure in the crucial role he held since the party’s inception more than two decades ago.
Sher Afzal Marwat, PTI Senior Vice-President, has confirmed that Imran Khan will not be part of the intra-party polls.
The PTI’s Core Committee has formally approved the elections to take place within the 20-day timeframe mandated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Failure to comply with this schedule could result in the party losing its distinctive bat symbol.
Imran Khan’s abstention is attributed to his disqualification as a parliamentarian for a five-year period in the Toshakhana case. This disqualification arose from his involvement in “corrupt practices” by intentionally concealing benefits received from the national exchequer.
The PTI has yet to finalize a decision on Imran Khan’s successor as the chairman. A decision is expected after a delegation from the party meets with the former premier, currently incarcerated in Adiala jail.
Sources suggest that Imran Khan has communicated his decision not to participate in the election for party chairman through a message to the party’s core committee.
PTI spokesperson Shoaib Shaheen stated that the party is still in the process of reaching a decision on Imran’s replacement, and ongoing discussions are taking place.
The intra-party elections are set to encompass various organizational positions, including the roles of party chairman and vice-chairman.
However, conflicting statements have emerged within the PTI. Barrister Umair Niaz, the PTI chief’s focal person on legal affairs, indicated that the election of a new party chairman hinges on the Toshakhana verdict, currently pending before the Islamabad High Court.
If the verdict favors Imran Khan, he would continue as the party head. Conversely, PTI Senior Vice President Marwat, speaking outside Adiala jail, suggested that Imran Khan would not be a candidate for the party chief due to legal obstacles, and consensus has been reached for intra-party polls.
In response to these reports, the PTI issued a statement refuting “speculations” and rejecting the statements made by senior leaders regarding the election of a new party chief.
The statement emphasized ongoing discussions on crucial issues related to intra-party elections.
As PTI to elect new chairman as Imran Khan pulls out of race, the PTI leadership appears divided on the matter, with conflicting perspectives on the timing and process of electing a new party chairman.
