The President of Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z), Ijaz Ul Haq, appears to be distancing himself from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In a clarification to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), under Section 200 (2) (3) and Section 203 (3) of the Elections Act, 2017, Haq denies that his party merged with PTI, contradicting media reports that suggested otherwise. The ECP sought clarification from the PML-Z chief on the following points:
- Has the Pakistan Muslim League-Z (Zia) merged with PTI?
- Will you (Ijaz) be a PTI candidate in the forthcoming general elections (2023)?
Many PTI leaders have severed ties with the party, led by Imran Khan, after the violent protests on May 9, where irate party followers targeted government and military establishments. Both civil and military leaders in the country have committed to taking stringent action against the agitators and those responsible for instigating the attacks, intending to prosecute them in military courts.
Haq’s assertions are in response to an inquiry from the electoral authority on May 5 about his party’s status and internal party elections for the upcoming general elections.
Ijaz, the son of former military ruler General Zia ul Haq and PTI Chairman Imran Khan had a meeting in Lahore in March. Subsequently, the media circulated reports about their parties merging, and there were no immediate denials.
However, in his reply to the ECP, Ijaz clarified that his political party was not merging with the PTI during the meeting with the party’s chairman.
“I didn’t merge my political party with PTI in a meeting with the party’s chairman. We may form an electoral alliance with PTI in the forthcoming election, but no merger has occurred.
