The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Ali Zafar, has retracted his candidacy for the PTI chairman position, highlighting a leadership quandary within the party.
Earlier, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced the nominee of Barrister Ali Zafar for the PTI’s chairmanship amid forthcoming intra-party elections; Zafar has been pivotal, representing PTI in the Senate and spearheading numerous legal battles for the party.
PTI’s decision follows the party’s announcement of new intra-party elections set for March 3, prompted by the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) stance. The apex court upheld the ECP’s plea, which argued for the nullification of PTI’s previous intra-party elections due to administrative discrepancies and non-compliance with its Constitution and election laws.
The PTI outlined a timeline for the elections, inviting nominations on February 23 and 24, followed by scrutiny on February 25. The final list of candidates will be disclosed on February 27, leading to the elections on March 3 at the party’s central and provincial offices.
Addressing the media, Zafar expressed his belief that assuming the chairmanship while striving for PTI founder Imran Khan’s release from incarceration would present a conflict of interest. He articulated concerns over a potential clash between his duties as chairman and his legal commitment to Khan, opting out of the chairmanship to avoid ethical dilemmas.
When queried about Khan’s stance on his withdrawal, Zafar confirmed Khan’s agreement with his decision.
The news emerges amidst internal disputes within PTI, notably after Sher Afzal Marwat criticized the former chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, for alleged incompetence, leading to a show-cause notice. Despite these tensions, a recent reconciliation between Marwat and Khan, evidenced by a widely shared video of their embrace, indicates efforts to bridge divisions within the party. Marwat clarified his earlier comments, underscoring unity among PTI’s leadership.
, Barrister Ali Zafar retracts his chairmanship candidacy, emphasizing a potential conflict while advocating for founder Imran Khan's release. This comes as PTI prepares for intra-party elections following Supreme Court directives.){kind=link}