The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) recently announced the postponement of its intra-party polls, originally scheduled after a general body meeting on January 31, due to concerns over security issues created by the administration and logistical constraints faced by its members. This decision follows a series of events, including the Supreme Court’s ruling against the party’s internal polls and subsequent loss of its electoral symbol.
The party, which had been engaged in legal battles over the legitimacy of its internal polls, faced setbacks when the Election Commission of Pakistan upheld the decision to declare those polls unconstitutional. Consequently, PTI members are now contesting elections as independent candidates, raising concerns about potential horse-trading and floor crossing.
Despite earlier preparations and assurances from PTI officials regarding the intra-party elections, the sudden shift to online platforms for the general body meeting and subsequent raids by alleged plainclothes security personnel disrupted the process. While PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan expressed readiness for the polls and the submission of results to the Election Commission, concerns lingered regarding potential outcomes and the party’s symbol.
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In a recent notification, the PTI cited the “unlawful” blocking of its designated venue for the general body meeting and the need for legal remedies as reasons for the postponement. Additionally, members’ requests for rescheduling due to preparations for the upcoming general elections on February 8 were acknowledged.
The PTI emphasized its commitment to holding transparent intra-party elections through secret balloting but cited the need for additional time to arrange alternate venues and address logistical challenges. It announced plans to reschedule the polls after the national elections, with revised timelines to be announced by the federal election commission.
Meanwhile, PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar proposed the formation of committees to restructure the party, suggesting collaboration between his faction and former premier Imran Khan’s side. Babar highlighted the importance of transparency in intra-party processes and emphasized the need to combat misinformation on social media, advocating for ethical practices in politics.