The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), following directives from its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, announced a boycott of all upcoming by-elections, except for the vacant seat of Mian Azhar. Additionally, PTI will boycott the Senate election for Ijaz Chaudhry’s seat.
PTI is boycotting all by-elections except the Mian Azhar seat and the Senate vote for Ijaz Chaudhry’s vacancy. Imran Khan, currently held in Adiala Jail, cites the unfair treatment of PTI members in the May 9 cases and claims that political retaliation has violated their rights. PTI initially nominated Salma Ijaz for the Senate seat but later withdrew her nomination to protest what they consider biased electoral processes.
Imran Khan’s Legal Battles
On August 30, 2025, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore accepted seven post-arrest bail petitions filed by Imran Khan’s legal team, led by Salman Safdar and Hassnain Murtaza Sunbal. The petitions, linked to terrorism charges from cases at New Town, Naseerabad, Taxila, City, and Civil Lines police stations, allege conspiracy to incite violence, arson, and murder. ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah scheduled the hearing for September 1, 2025, issuing notices to all parties.
PTI Lawmakers Resign from Parliamentary Committees on Imran Khan’s Orders
On May 9, 2023, riots broke out following the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case. These riots resulted in attacks on military and state installations, including Jinnah House. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party claims that the legal actions taken against its members, including Khan’s nephews Shahrez and Shershah, are politically motivated. The party is also boycotting elections to protest what it describes as an unfair electoral system, which continues to reinforce Khan’s influence despite his detention.
PTI’s boycott conveys a strong message against perceived electoral injustices, but it risks diminishing the party’s representation in key constituencies. This boycott is part of PTI’s broader strategy to contest state actions, such as the recent amendments to the anti-terrorism law.
