The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified nine Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers. This decision includes key opposition leaders from both the Senate and National Assembly. The disqualifications follow recent convictions by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Faisalabad.
Among the disqualified lawmakers are Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz and National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan. The other seven members include MNAs and MPAs from various constituencies. The ECP issued an official notification on August 5, 2025, confirming their disqualification.
The legal basis for this action lies under Article 63(1)(h) of Pakistan’s Constitution. This article bars individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude from holding public office. The convicted lawmakers were sentenced in connection with the May 9 violence cases. The court sentenced them to prison terms exceeding two years.
As per the ECP’s notification, the lawmakers have lost their seats in the Senate, National Assembly, and Provincial Assemblies. Their disqualification has left these seats officially vacant. The ECP will arrange by-elections in the affected constituencies soon.
The ECP emphasized that the disqualifications are in strict compliance with the ATC orders dated July 31, 2025. It also highlighted the constitutional mandate to enforce such decisions without exception.
This move by the ECP marks a significant development in Pakistan’s political landscape. The disqualifications could impact the balance of power in parliament. PTI has announced nationwide protests in response to these actions.
The ECP’s decision reflects its role as an independent body tasked with upholding electoral laws. It ensures that lawmakers convicted of serious crimes cannot remain in office. This step aligns with efforts to strengthen governance and the rule of law in Pakistan.
In summary, the ECP has disqualified nine PTI lawmakers, including top opposition leaders. Their seats are now vacant, and by-elections will be held as per legal requirements. The ECP continues to enforce constitutional provisions strictly to maintain political integrity.
Alongside this,For details on the candidacy issue, see ECP Clarifies Hamid Raza’s Candidacy Status Amid Ongoing Dispute.
