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Who will be the chairman of PTI?

Zaynab Z.

Nov 29

A tumultuous day unfolded within the ranks of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as conflicting statements emerged regarding Imran Khan’s role in the upcoming intra-party polls.

Senior Vice President Sher Afzal Khan Marwat asserted on Tuesday that Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala jail, had decided not to vie for the position of party chairman, citing legal constraints and his disqualification in the Toshakhana case.

PTI clarified that discussions were still going on about crucial matters related to intra-party elections, emphasizing that no decision had been made regarding Imran Khan’s participation or the nomination of an alternative leader.

Despite the party’s denial, Marwat stood by his initial statement. He took to X (former Twitter) and said, “Whatever I have said in my media talk about the intra-party election is a correct statement. The decisions were taken by Chairman PTI in the presence of Senator Ali Zafar, Barrister Gohar Umair Niazi and myself. I fail to understand who is behind the contradiction and why the misleading statement was issued. The media are advised to verify my statement with the above persons if you don’t mind.”

Attempting to shed light on the situation, PTI Senator Ali Zafar appeared on a Geo News show on Tuesday, stating that there was no confusion within the party.

“Two to three decisions were made together with him. Firstly, he asked what is the legal status of the ECP’s order to hold intra-party elections so I told him that it is illegal and we should appeal so the decision was made to appeal it,” he said.

Zafar clarified that discussions also revolved around Imran Khan’s potential participation in the elections and the perception that the ECP might hinder the PTI’s symbol of the bat.

He said finally a decision was reached that, if need be, if there was any concern arose that the ECP would raise an objection if Imran contested the elections, “then it is better than that that we at the moment hold elections in which Imran Khan doesn’t contest and we nominate someone else [for party chairman].”

Zafar pointed out that a final decision remained to be taken on the above matter after considering all legal aspects, adding that he would announce the “exact decision” of whether Imran would contest the intra-party elections or not tomorrow.

“If he (Imran) nominates someone else and a final decision is taken then elections will be held,” Zafar said.

Marwat then appeared in Ary News show 11th hour with Waseem Badami and confirmed that Barrister Gohar’s name has been finalized for the chairmanship.

While talking about the backlash he faced on social media after his initial statement, he tweeted, “Those maligning me constantly, kindly stop portraying me desperate for leadership! I didn’t come here on motive to conquer politics. It needs alot of courage to fight under these pressure circumstances. Anyone who is loyal to Pakistan, would appreciate efforts I am making. I am standing with Imran Khan and Pakistan in these difficult times because I believe in adversity, all of us must fight back against this oppression and not give up.”

Former Governor Punjab, Latif Khosa, also entered the debate on Wednesday and said, “We can’t even think about minus Imran Khan. Imran Khan has denied all these claims.”

The entire fiasco ended when it was officially announced by PTI that Barrister Gohar would be the candidate for chairman in intra-party election.

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