Imran Khan
In a strategic political move, Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has decided to throw his hat into the ring from not one but three constituencies in the upcoming General elections. This significant decision was disclosed by PTI’s legal representative, Barrister Ali Zafar, during recent media discussions.
Imran Khan, the founding figure of PTI, is gearing up for the electoral battlegrounds in Lahore, Mianwali, and Islamabad. To formalize his candidacy, Imran Khan is in the process of acquiring all the necessary nomination papers.
Dismissing any attempts to hinder the nomination paper collection as undemocratic, Barrister Ali Zafar conveyed that PTI activists have been instructed to diligently file their papers. The final decision on candidate tickets is expected shortly, with priority given to those who have made notable sacrifices for the party. Notably, even PTI leaders currently incarcerated will be accorded preference in the candidate selection process.
Simultaneously, the Election Commission has initiated the electoral process for the eagerly anticipated general elections scheduled for February 8. Returning officers are issuing public notices, inviting aspiring candidates to submit their nomination papers for both National and Provincial Assembly seats.
The Election Commission outlined the procedure, allowing candidates to collect and submit their papers with up to five proposers and seconders. The filing fee for a National Assembly seat stands at Rs. 30,000, with the cost of a nomination form being Rs. 100. Meanwhile, the non-refundable fee for a Provincial Assembly seat is Rs. 20,000. Nomination papers are open for submission from December 20 to 22 during regular office hours.
The required documents for nomination include the national identity cards of the proposer and seconder, coupled with the Election Commission-issued certificates of the candidate’s proposer and seconder. Candidates must also furnish an affidavit of their income tax return for the last three years and attach a complete copy of their passport to the nomination papers.
Candidates are urged to seek legal assistance in filling out the forms and to form teams with election experts and constituency lawyers. Notably, the candidate need not be physically present during the collection or submission of nomination papers. Appeals against nomination papers can be lodged until January 10, with the final list of candidates slated for issuance on January 11, 2024. The allocation of electoral symbols is set to transpire on January 13. As the nation eagerly awaits the electoral proceedings, Imran Khan‘s multifaceted strategy positions him at the forefront of the unfolding political narrative, adding intrigue to the impending general elections.