Imran Khan among other PTI leaders out of election race

Imran Khan, who submitted nomination papers from NA-122 Lahore and NA-89 Mianwali, faced rejection from the respective ROs.

In the face of legal setbacks, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including party founder Imran Khan, are demonstrating resilience and adaptability as they forge ahead with their political ambitions. The Lahore High Court (LHC) upheld the Election Appellate Tribunal’s decision, dismissing appeals from Imran Khan and over 60 other PTI leaders regarding the rejection of their nomination papers by returning officers (ROs) for the upcoming general elections on Feb 8.

Imran Khan, who submitted nomination papers from NA-122 Lahore and NA-89 Mianwali, faced rejection from the respective ROs, and subsequent appeals were dismissed by the election appellate tribunals. Undeterred, Imran Khan filed a writ petition with the larger LHC bench against the tribunal’s decision. Similarly, other prominent PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pervaiz Elahi, and Fawad Chaudhry, challenged the rejection of their nomination papers.

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Today, as the Lahore High Court announced its reserved verdict, a three-member bench led by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi upheld the decision to reject the nomination papers. Despite the legal setback, PTI leaders are undaunted, highlighting their commitment to the democratic process and the pursuit of political representation.

The PTI candidates, now set to contest the elections independently with different electoral symbols, exemplify the party’s resilience and determination to continue its political journey. While the decision means the party loses the right to reserved seats for women and minorities, PTI leaders remain focused on engaging with the electorate and contributing to the democratic landscape.

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In the spirit of democratic values, PTI leaders are poised to navigate the evolving political landscape, showing that setbacks can be opportunities for growth and adaptation. As the elections draw near, the PTI’s response to these challenges underscores its commitment to active participation in the democratic process, setting the stage for a vibrant and competitive electoral season.