The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) underwent a significant leadership shift on Saturday, as Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emerged as the unopposed winner in the intra-party elections mandated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Nominated by former PTI chief Imran Khan just days prior, Gohar secured the chairman’s position and expressed his commitment to representing Imran in this role.
Addressing the media in Peshawar following his election, Gohar highlighted the unique scrutiny the PTI’s intra-party elections underwent compared to other political entities in Pakistan.
Emphasizing a large number of political parties in the country, he asserted that PTI’s polls faced unprecedented scrutiny.
Gohar also conveyed a strong message of resilience, stating that the people would resist oppression, and the party’s mission was to propel the nation forward.
Furthermore, Gohar affirmed the PTI’s purpose to persevere, asserting that Imran Khan’s imprisonment was a testament to the party’s dedication.
Looking ahead to future elections, he expressed confidence in the PTI’s ability to overcome any opposition.
In parallel developments, Omer Ayub Khan secured the position of party secretary-general unopposed, while provincially, Munir Ahmed Baloch, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Dr. Yasmin Rashid were elected as presidents of Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, respectively.
However, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) criticized the PTI’s electoral process, labeling it a “selection, not an election.” Marriyum Aurangzeb, the PML-N spokesperson, raised concerns about the speed and secrecy of the PTI’s intra-party elections, questioning the absence of opposition candidates.
Adding a layer of complexity, Akbar S. Babar, a founding member of PTI, announced his intention to challenge the intra-party polls’ legitimacy.
He raised issues about founding members being excluded and alleged irregularities in the election process.
Babar committed to presenting these concerns to the ECP for scrutiny, leaving open the possibility of legal recourse, including approaching the Supreme Court if deemed necessary.
