ECP on Wednesday has started receiving nomination papes till Friday.
ISLAMABAD: Founding member and former PTI Chairman Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf Imran Khan will be running for elections from three constituencies, according to Barrister Ali Zafar.
Talking to media outside Adiala Jail, Barrsiter Ali Zafar flanked by other PTI leaders inlcuding PTI chairman Barrister Ali Gohar disclosed that Imran Khan will be contesting elections from Lahore, Mianwali and Islamabad.
He said barring anyone from filing nomination papers is against the democratic principles.
Expanding on the party’s strategy, Barrister Ali Zafar conveyed that instructions have been issued to party workers to promptly file their nomination papers.
Notably, priority will be given to PTI leaders currently incarcerated when selecting candidates.
Chairman PTI, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, emphasized the party’s commitment to holding elections on February 8, underscoring their determination.
He assured that the party will soon finalize the allocation of party tickets.
Election Commission of Pakistan, the country’s top electoral body, on Wednesday has started receiving nomination papes till Friday.
According to a notification issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the initial list of candidates would be published on Dec 23 followed by the scrutiny of their nomination papers from Dec 24 to 30.
The deadline for filing appeals against the decisions made by returning officers (ROs) on accepting or rejecting nomination papers is Jan 3, while the appellate tribunals are scheduled to announce their verdicts by Jan 10.
Meanwhile, the revised list of candidates will be published on Jan 11 and the last date for withdrawing one’s candidature is Jan 12.
While,
Holding elections priority over delimitations: SC’s written verdict
In a written decision released today, the Supreme Court (SC) addressed the appeal challenging the Balochistan High Court’s (BHC) decision on delimitations. Underscoring the significance of elections over constituency disputes, the SC declared elections as a fundamental pillar of democracy, with judges playing a vital role as guardians.
Supreme Court urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to proceed with elections in both constituencies, referenced in the petition, under existing delimitations.
SC emphasised the integral link between the electoral process and democracy. The apex court also committed to revisiting the constituency dispute case in both constituencies, scheduling hearings post-election, through the Registrar’s Office.
More From Daily The Destination: Supreme Court asserts: Won’t allow anyone to delay or derail elections
Highlighting the constitutional role of judges in safeguarding democracy and the constitution, the SC emphasised that a government lacking elections cannot be deemed democratic. Timely and transparent elections, according to the court, constitute the essence of constitutional democracy, respecting public opinion.
The SC cautioned against hearing petitions challenging constituencies, citing potential disruptions to the election schedule and the emergence of a flood of litigation if pleas for demarcations are entertained.
With the election clock ticking, the SC asserted its commitment to prioritising general elections over objections to constituencies in its decision.
