Imran Khan’s nomination papers submitted in Mianwali
Khan’s nomination papers submitted for NA-89 constituency.
MIANWALI: In a remarkable turn of events, disqualified Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, currently serving a three-year jail term, has managed to submit his nomination papers for the upcoming general elections from his home constituency of NA-89 in Mianwali.
Represented by PTI leader Umar Bodla, the 70-year-old former cricket star’s nomination papers were submitted despite the roadblocks on his path to political participation. Imran Khan has been at the heart of a political crisis since his ousting in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022.
Facing disqualification and a five-year ban from contesting elections, Imran Khan is actively seeking to overturn his conviction. Although his plea in the Islamabad High Court was rejected, his legal team has now taken the matter to the Supreme Court. Earlier today, a separate victory was secured by obtaining bail for Khan from the apex court, albeit with pending cases adding to his incarceration.
Khan’s legal team contends that the district court’s judgment, leading to his disqualification and imprisonment, is baseless. Despite the legal challenges, PTI is steadfast in its support for Imran Khan, considering him a crucial factor in their voter base.
Pakistan’s general elections, scheduled for February 8, 2024, have intensified political activities, with parties staging rallies and strategizing to secure influential politicians. Economic stabilisation and political uncertainty are identified as critical issues for the incoming government.
As the political landscape remains unpredictable, several politicians suggest the possibility of a coalition government due to the absence of a majority for any single party. Imran Khan, despite stepping down as PTI chairman, continues to hold sway over the party’s vote bank. Recently, an AI-generated audio of Khan was released by PTI to boost supporters’ morale.
Barrister Gohar Khan, who took over as PTI chairman after Imran Khan’s resignation, now faces the challenge of steering the party through the upcoming polls. The dynamics of Pakistani politics continue to evolve, with Imran Khan’s enduring influence and the uncertainties of coalition governance setting the stage for an intriguing electoral season.
While,
JUI-F Chief nomination papers submitted from NA-265 Pishin
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman is gearing up for the upcoming general elections as his nomination papers were officially submitted from the NA-265 Pishin constituency on Friday. The crucial task was carried out by JUI-F provincial emir Maulana Abdul Wasay, indicating the party’s strategic move for the electoral battle.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman is set to contest elections for two national seats – NA-265 Pishin and DI Khan, underscoring the party’s determined presence in diverse regions.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) responded to appeals from various political parties, including PML-N, PPP, BAP, and JUI-F, by extending the deadline for the submission of nomination papers by two days. The revised election schedule, issued by the ECP, allows candidates to submit their papers until December 24.
According to the updated timeline, the preliminary list of candidates will be released on December 24, with scrutiny of the nomination papers scheduled from December 25 to 30. This extended timeframe aims to ensure a comprehensive and thorough review of the candidates and their eligibility.
In response to this development, political parties now have an extended window to prepare for the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. The revised schedule provides a more structured timeline for the electoral process, emphasizing transparency and fairness.
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Furthermore, the ECP has outlined a procedure for appeals against decisions made by returning officers during the scrutiny process. Candidates can file appeals by January 3, and the election appellate tribunals will be tasked with delivering decisions on these appeals by January 10.
As political activity intensifies in the lead-up to the elections, parties are strategically positioning themselves, and the extended nomination period allows for a more inclusive and meticulous electoral process. The coming days are expected to witness increased political momentum as candidates and parties actively engage in the democratic process.
