General Elections 2024, PTI Reveals Peshawar Candidates

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially revealed its slate of candidates for both national and provincial assembly seats in Peshawar ahead of the forthcoming general elections scheduled for February 8. Among the notable PTI candidates is Shandana Gulzar, who has been nominated for the NA-30 constituency. Additionally, Sajid Nawaz, Arbab Amir, Arbab Sher Ali, and Asif Khan have been put forth as PTI contenders for various constituencies within Peshawar.

A significant development emerged with the exclusion of Sher Afzal Marwat from receiving a PTI ticket in Peshawar. This decision was announced by the party, responding to objections raised by PTI leader Taimur Khan Jhagra on December 27, 2023. Jhagra had voiced his opinion that it would be more fitting for a leader based in Peshawar to contest from the NA-32 constituency. In response, Marwat asserted that he had been directed by the PTI founder to contest from Peshawar.

Read more : PTI RegainsBat Symbol as PHC Suspends ECPs Ruling

The roster of PTI candidates for provincial seats in Peshawar encompasses Mehmood Jan, Taimur Jhagra, Kamran Bangash, Arbab Jehandad, Fazal Elahi, Hamidul Haq, Asim Khan, Mina Khan, Ali Zaman, Malik Shahab, Samiullah, Sher Ali Afridi, and Noreen Arif.

A pivotal moment leading up to the elections occurred on January 10 when the Peshawar High Court (PHC) took a stance in favor of PTI. The PHC restored the party’s electoral symbol, the ‘bat,’ overturning the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which had declared the intra-party election null and void and revoked the ‘bat’ symbol. The court deemed the ECP’s decision incorrect and mandated the electoral watchdog to issue a certificate to PTI, thereby reinstating the party’s symbol.

This turn of events showcases the intricate dynamics within the PTI, as internal disagreements and objections led to reshuffling of candidates in Peshawar. The restoration of the party’s electoral symbol by the Peshawar High Court adds another layer of significance to the electoral landscape, emphasizing the importance of symbols in the political process. As the election date approaches, these developments will likely influence the political landscape in Peshawar and beyond.