The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted an application to the Supreme Judicial Council seeking action against the chief election commissioner and four members of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

The application was filed by Barrister Ali Zafar, representing the PTI. The petition demands accountability and action against the chief election commissioner and the four members for their alleged misconduct.

On July 20, a similar complaint was filed with the Supreme Judicial Council against the chief election commissioner (CEC) and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The complaint, lodged by Haleem Adil Shaikh, Noorul Haq Qureshi, and Shabbir Ahmed, accused the ECP officials of failing to fulfil their constitutional duties and undermining the mandate of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and court decisions.

Also Read: PTI to file reference against ECP chief and members

The complaint alleged that the CEC and ECP members engaged in misconduct by attempting to subvert the PTI's electoral successes and court decisions. Specific charges included the appointment of politically motivated bureaucrats as returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs), which is claimed to have biased the electoral process.

The next day, it had been decided that the PTI would file a formal reference against the CEC and four other members of the ECP. The decision followed growing discontent within the party regarding electoral processes and the commission’s conduct.

Also Read: Formal complaint filed against chief election commissioner, ECP members

PTI founder Imran Khan designated Barrister Ali Zafar to represent the party in this high-stakes legal move. The reference sought the removal of the chief election commissioner and his colleagues from their positions.

The reference likely outlined several grievances, including the alleged revocation of election symbols granted to the PTI, concerns over an uneven playing field in the elections, and delays in holding general elections. Additionally, the reference sought to address changes made to the election tribunal in Islamabad, which PTI contends were unjustified.