The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declined to recognise Barrister Gohar as the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and rejected his request to include independent senators in the party.

The decision comes amid pending intra-party election proceedings.

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In a formal reply, the Election Commission stated that Barrister Gohar cannot be recognized as PTI chairman at this time. The ECP also noted that he has no legal authority to include independent senators in the party, as the intra-party election case is still pending and PTI itself has obtained a stay order from the Lahore High Court.

Barrister Gohar’s response

Barrister Gohar confirmed receipt of the ECP’s reply letter and announced plans to challenge the decision in court. “The Election Commission has not yet recognized our intra-party election nor issued a certificate,” he told SAMAA.

He added, “When our Senate elections were held, independent senators joined PTI. I sent a letter to the Election Commission on November 13 requesting their inclusion. Today, I received their reply dated November 26 stating they do not recognize them. This is very unfortunate. We will take this matter to court.”

PTI ban questioned

In his exclusive conversation, Barrister Gohar also dismissed the possibility of PTI being banned. He questioned the legal basis for a ban, stating, “If PTI is not a registered party according to the Election Commission, how can it be banned?”