ISLAMABAD- The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as its new party chairman, nominated by former Prime Minister Imran Khan to vie for the top position.
Niazullah Niazi, PTI’s Chief Election Commissioner, disclosed that Barrister Gohar was elected unopposed during the intra-party elections held today.
Umar Ayub Khan secured the position of PTI’s central general secretary, while Ali Amin Gandapur and Dr Yasmin Rashid were chosen as the party’s provincial presidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, respectively.
The Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) directives prompted these developments, leading to the intra-party polls. The central polling center, located near the Motorway Toll Plaza in Peshawar’s Rano Garhi, witnessed the arrival of Ali Zaman, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Presiding Officer.
Zaman, discussing the process, mentioned that more than 20 million registered voters were eligible to cast their votes either through an online app or a ballot paper at the Peshawar election center. He had earlier stated that all candidates were expected to be elected unopposed unless objections were raised.
The elections bear significance in Pakistan’s current political climate as Imran Khan, PTI’s Chairman, decided to temporarily hand over the chairmanship to Barrister Gohar Ali Khan until Khan’s release from jail.
Ali Zafar, a senior PTI member and lawyer, announced Gohar’s temporary appointment, clarifying that Khan would resume the position once his disqualification related to the Toshakhana case is overturned.
PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur is in the running for the party’s KP chairmanship, while Atif Khan is contesting for the position of Peshawar region president, according to party sources.
Reflecting on the intra-party polls, a PTI spokesperson highlighted the party’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. The spokesperson commended Imran Khan for breaking away from traditional family-based politics and nominating a dedicated party worker for the chairman’s post.
Amid the election preparations, PTI founding member Akbar Sher Babar made a surprise visit to the PTI’s central secretariat after 13 years. Babar expressed disappointment, stating that he was denied access to necessary documents related to the electoral process.
The PTI’s Core Committee recently approved the intra-party polls, adhering to the ECP’s 20-day timeframe. Failure to comply could result in the loss of the party’s bat symbol.
