Imran Khan’s Lahore, Mianwali Papers Rejected; Setback For PTI

The Election Commission officials in Punjab confirmed the rejection of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s nomination papers for a National Assembly constituency in Mianwali, his hometown and the capital of Punjab province, on Saturday.

The returning officer (RO) overseeing the scrutiny of the NA-122 constituency papers stated that Imran Khan’s nomination was disqualified due to a previous conviction, which comes as a setback for PTI in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.

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The objections, raised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Mian Naseer, were based on Imran Khan’s previous five-year disqualification in the Toshakhana case. In this instance, the electoral body had found Khan guilty of corrupt practices according to Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017.

The rejection of Imran Khan’s nomination papers is a significant development as it pertains to his candidacy from a crucial constituency, impacting the party’s electoral strategy and prospects in Mianwali.

The decision was made on the grounds of a prior conviction, and the rejection is likely to fuel political discussions and debates, particularly given Imran Khan’s prominent role in Pakistani politics.

PTI, facing this setback, may need to reconsider its electoral approach and possibly nominate an alternative candidate for the NA-122 constituency. This development adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape in Mianwali and may influence the electoral dynamics in the region.

As the general elections draw nearer, political parties will closely monitor such developments, and candidates will need to navigate the legal and procedural aspects of the electoral process to secure their participation in the upcoming polls.