Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Senator Ali Zafar has claimed that the party will hold its intra-party elections on December 2.

Talking to the media in Islamabad, the senator also announced that lawyer Barrister Gohar Ali Khan will be the nominee for the party chairman’s election, as Imran Khan will not be contending for the office.

He further said that the PTI had conducted its intra-party polls in 2022. The election commission has directed to hold intra-party polls within 20 days to qualify for being allotted the ‘bat’ electoral symbol.

“We had two options: to challenge the election commission’s decision or hold the intra-party elections as ordered,” the senator said.

He added that the party will hold the polls on Saturday. He also claimed that party Chairman Imran Khan gave two suggestions and the legal team consulted over them.

Ali Zafar further said that Imran Khan was sentenced in the Toshakhana case, which the party considers illegal as the opportunity for defence was not granted.

“It is feared that if Imran Khan is chosen as the PTI chairman despite his sentence, the election commission will not allow the party to contest the general elections,” the lawyer said.

Hence, he said, Barrister Gohar would contest for the party chairman’s slot.

A day earlier, PTI lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat had also claimed that Imran Khan would not be contesting the upcoming party chairman election.

Legal hurdles force Khan's withdrawal

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Marwat explained that the legal landscape, particularly the recent decision by the Election Commission of Pakistan, played a pivotal role in Khan's decision. The commission had ordered the PTI to conduct intra-party elections within 20 days, raising concerns about the party's compliance with its constitution.

Marwat clarified, "Due to the legal ban, Imran Khan will not be a candidate for the PTI chairman this time."

Also Read: Imran Khan takes backseat in PTI chairman race amid legal challenges

He emphasized that Imran Khan's withdrawal was not a sign of permanent disengagement but a strategic move to navigate the current legal challenges.

The decision to refrain from the upcoming election is seen as a tactical move to avoid further legal complications and ensure a smoother return to the party leadership once legal matters are resolved.

PTI reacts to Marwat's statement

However, responding to Marwat's claims, the PTI vehemently rejected the "speculations" surrounding the potential election of a new party chairman. In an official statement released on its verified X handle, the Imran Khan-led party dismissed the statements made by senior leaders regarding the appointment of a new party chief.

پاکستان تحریک انصاف کے انٹرا پارٹی انتخابات کے انعقاد اور چیئرمین عمران خان کے نئی مدت کیلئے انتخاب میں حصہ لینے کا معاملہ

پاکستان تحریک انصاف کی انٹراپارٹی انتخاب کے حوالے سے میڈیا میں کی جانے والی قیاس آرائیوں کی سختی سے تردید

چیئرمین تحریک انصاف عمران خان کے الیکشن کمیشن…
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 28, 2023

The party asserted that discussions are currently underway to address crucial matters concerning the organization of intra-party elections.

The PTI's leadership appears to be divided on the issue of the party chairman election.

Election commission's directive

On November 20, the ECP had directed the PTI to hold intra-party elections within 20 days. The directive was issued following concerns about the party's failure to conduct elections in accordance with its constitution. The commission had raised objections to the PTI's use of the bat symbol and issued a show-cause notice regarding the non-compliance with intra-party election regulations.