As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for its upcoming intra-party election, the return of founding member Akbar S. Babar to the party secretariat after 13 years has stirred controversy and raised questions about the transparency of the electoral process.
Babar, who has a history of estrangement from the party and was behind the foreign funding case against PTI, visited the party headquarters on Friday. In his first appearance in over a decade, he expressed a keen interest in the intra-party election, stating that many old members were eager to participate.
During his visit, Babar aimed to gather information about nomination papers, voter lists, and the election process. While he did not confirm whether he would contest for a specific position, he asserted his intention to fully participate in the polls.
However, Babar raised concerns about the party’s operations related to the intra-party election process. In a statement to reporters, he indicated his plans to bring the issue to the attention of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Babar criticized the lack of nomination papers, voter lists, and election rules, suggesting that this could jeopardize PTI’s electoral symbol, the bat.
In contrast, Barrister Gohar Khan, a nominee for the post of the party’s caretaker chairman, filed his nomination papers on the same day. Senator Ali Zafar had announced Gohar’s nomination, stating that it had been approved by PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
The intra-party elections, scheduled for December 2, come in response to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directive, warning that PTI could lose its electoral symbol if the polls were not held promptly.
However, Babar’s reservations and his hint at taking the matter to the ECP add a layer of complexity to the already contentious situation. His claim that essential election materials do not exist raises questions about the transparency of the intra-party election process.
In a separate development, the nomination of Gohar as the PTI chairman has been met with criticism from Babar, who labeled it a “selection instead of an election.” Babar has proposed the appointment of ECP observers to ensure the credibility of the polls.
Amidst these developments, security concerns have also emerged, with the Peshawar division commissioner reminding PTI Chief Election Commissioner Niazullah Niazi to provide necessary information for foolproof security on polling day. The letter highlighted the peculiar security environment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and emphasized the urgency of a response from the PTI.
As PTI’s intra-party election approaches, the involvement of Akbar S. Babar and the unfolding events add a layer of uncertainty and raise crucial questions about the party’s adherence to a transparent and fair electoral process.
