Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to participate in the upcoming by-elections, the party’s political committee announced after a late-night meeting.

According to party sources, the decision followed a vote within the committee, where a majority supported contesting the polls.

Members argued that political opponents should not be given a free field and directed preparations to begin in constituencies where by-elections will be held.

ECP disqualifies 9 PTI lawmakers, including Senate, NA opposition leaders

However, the committee could not reach a decision on the nomination of Mahmood Khan Achakzai as leader of the opposition. A majority of members expressed a preference for nominating a leader from within PTI instead.

The committee resolved to continue consultations and said a final decision on the opposition leader in the National Assembly would be made in today’s sitting.

Polling day

The ECP confirmed that polling in NA-143, NA-185, and PP-203 will be conducted on October 5. Preparations for the electoral process, including arrangements for transparent voting, are already underway.