Nomination papers of key Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf (PTI) leaders aiming for the February 8 general elections faced a setback as they did not clear the scrutiny, prompting the party to express dissatisfaction, as reported by local media.
Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, encountered rejection of his nomination papers for NA-122 (Lahore) and NA-89 (Mianwali) due to his conviction in the Toshakhana case and some outstanding dues, according to Isakhel Assistant Commissioner Ghulam Murtaza, as cited by Dawn.
Murtaza obtained this information from the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), who serves as the returning officer for NA-89. Nomination papers of other prominent PTI figures, including Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab province governor Parvez Elahi, party leader Hammad Azhar, and women wing leader Amara Niazi, also faced rejection.
Sources indicate that most of the rejections were attributed to defaults in utility payments and other pending bills, as reported by Dawn.
While the initial scrutiny phase saw PTI candidates facing setbacks, they have until January 3 to appeal the decisions of the respective returning officers before an appellate tribunal. The tribunal can adjudicate on these appeals until January 10.
Reacting to the rejection of nomination papers, Gohar Khan, the chairman of PTI, expressed dissatisfaction on social media, stating, "The state machinery is in full swing against PTI's candidates, whose proposers and seconders are being openly harassed, assaulted and pushed back from ROs’ offices."
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub voiced concerns, saying, "If this pre-poll rigging continues unabated, the transparency of the election process is and will be called into question." The party is evidently critical of what it perceives as undue interference in the electoral process, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections.
(With Agency Inputs)
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