Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar clarified that former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), do not encounter any legal hindrances to their participation in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 2024.
Kakar stated, “There is no legal restriction on him or Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that is keeping them away from the political or election process.” However, he noted that any unforeseen developments before the election schedule announcement might alter the situation.
“As of today, Imran is in the position of contesting the polls, and he will contest,” Kakar added, emphasizing the absence of legal barriers at the current juncture.
The general elections are slated for February 2 next year, and Kakar’s reassurance comes in the wake of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) August decision to disqualify Imran Khan for five years in the Toshakhana case, citing corrupt practices under Section 167 of the Elections Act, 2017.
The ECP’s October 2022 decision further disqualified Imran from parliamentary membership, citing a “false” and “incorrect declaration” in his statement of assets and liabilities for 2020-21.
Due to his conviction in the Toshakhana reference, Imran is legally barred from participating in upcoming intra-party elections. Despite being incarcerated in Adiala Jail and facing trial in the cipher case, Imran has consistently denied all charges against him.
On another front, the ECP announced proceedings against Imran Khan and Fawad Chaudhry on December 13, related to contempt of the commission. The proceedings will take place at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, with the Ministry of Interior tasked to make necessary arrangements.
