In a recent development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reportedly rejected nominations of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, for the Pakistan general election from two constituencies: Lahore and Mianwali.
The returning officer for NA-122, Lahore, based the decision on Articles 62 and 63 (1h) of the Constitution of Pakistan, issuing a verdict that rejected Khan’s nomination papers on ‘moral’ and other grounds. This specific section of the constitution banishes those convicted of crimes of ‘moral turpitude’ from serving in Pakistan’s parliament. The returning officer cited Khan’s recent conviction in a corruption case as the basis for the decision, a conviction that had not been suspended or set aside by any court.
Several other leaders from the PTI have also faced rejection of nominations for the upcoming February general elections according to local media reports, including ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Parvez Elahi and Fawad Chaudhry.
This marks another hurdle for the PTI in the run-up to the general elections. Back in August, Khan was convicted in the Toshakhana corruption case, accused of selling state gifts. More recently, the ECP revoked PTI’s election symbol, a decision that was later temporarily suspended by the Peshawar High Court.
In light of these developments, the PTI has announced its intent to challenge the rejection of nomination papers for its candidates. PTI’s Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan has stated that all rejected papers will be contested. Sardar Azeemullah Khan, PTI Central Punjab Additional General Secretary, has commented that the party has advised candidates to file appeals against the decisions made by Returning Officers (ROs).