In a recent development, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan faces charges of contempt by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), marking a new chapter in the ongoing political turmoil. The indictment took place in the absence of Khan’s lawyers, as stated by Naeem Haider Panjutha, Khan’s legal representative.
According to Reuters, the ECP initiated contempt proceedings against Khan and other leaders of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party shortly after rejecting Khan’s nomination for the February 8 general elections. Imran Khan, currently in jail over various cases, has been entangled in legal battles since his ousting in April 2022.
Facing a myriad of challenges, Khan denies all charges, attributing his predicament to alleged interference by the powerful military, which he claims aims to keep him out of the polls—a charge denied by the military.
Meanwhile, a high court in Pakistan, on Wednesday, reinstated the top election commission’s order suspending PTI’s intra-party polls, nullifying its cricket bat electoral symbol. The decision deals a blow to PTI, alleging an uneven playing field in the lead-up to the general election.
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan expressed determination, stating, “Even if we do not get the bat symbol, we will still participate in the elections. PTI will not boycott the elections under any circumstances.” The political landscape in Pakistan remains tense as election-related controversies intensify.
