PTI Announces Selective Participation in By-Polls
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the opposition party founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has decided to boycott upcoming by-elections on seats left vacant by disqualified lawmakers. However, the party will contest the by-election in NA-129 Lahore, a constituency left vacant following the death of senior politician Mian Azhar.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting of PTI’s political committee, which was held in consultation with the party’s founding leader, currently imprisoned in connection with multiple cases.
Confidence in Political Committee
In its official statement, PTI said that the founding chairman had expressed complete confidence in the political committee and entrusted it with all major political decisions. According to the statement, the committee will continue to consult him on sensitive political matters but has been given authority to take decisions independently.
The party’s declaration highlighted concerns over ongoing legal proceedings. It specifically criticised the daily hearings of the Toshakhana case at Adiala Jail, arguing that such frequent hearings compromise the right to a fair trial and undermine the fundamental rights of the accused.
Support for Disqualified Members
PTI also paid tribute to lawmakers who were disqualified in connection with cases linked to the 9 May 2023 protests. The party stated that it continues to regard them as its “true representatives” and acknowledged their sacrifices. By refusing to contest their vacated seats, PTI signaled both solidarity with them and protest against what it describes as unjust disqualifications.
This approach reflects PTI’s broader strategy of challenging what it calls “political victimisation” by the authorities, while carefully choosing symbolic electoral battles.
Contesting NA-129 By-Election
Despite the broader boycott, PTI confirmed it will field a candidate in NA-129 Lahore, a key constituency. The seat fell vacant after the death of Mian Azhar, a veteran politician and father of PTI leader Hammad Azhar. Party insiders say contesting this seat carries significant emotional and political weight.
By focusing on NA-129, PTI aims to demonstrate its continuing presence in Punjab’s political heartland, while avoiding what it views as compromised contests in other constituencies.
Resignations from Parliamentary Committees
In a further political move, PTI announced that its members will resign from the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly. Lawmakers have also been directed to step down from all parliamentary standing committees, including chairmanships and memberships.
According to the party, this step is intended to underline its rejection of what it describes as an “unfair political system.” PTI leaders argue that their participation in parliamentary committees is meaningless when their senior leadership remains behind bars and their representatives are disqualified.
Political Context
The developments come at a time of heightened political uncertainty in Pakistan. PTI has faced extensive crackdowns since the 9 May protests, when violent demonstrations broke out following Imran Khan’s arrest. Hundreds of party workers and leaders were detained, and several members of parliament were later disqualified.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s judiciary continues to hear high-profile corruption and disqualification cases. The Toshakhana reference, involving allegations of retaining state gifts unlawfully, has become one of the most closely watched trials in the country. PTI claims the pace and manner of proceedings reflect political bias, while the government insists the cases are being pursued lawfully.
What Lies Ahead
Analysts note that PTI’s selective approach—boycotting some by-polls while contesting a symbolic seat—illustrates its dual strategy of resistance and survival. On one hand, the boycott highlights PTI’s protest against disqualifications and legal challenges. On the other, participation in NA-129 signals the party’s determination to remain electorally relevant.
With Pakistan’s political climate already polarised, PTI’s decisions in the coming weeks could shape both parliamentary dynamics and the broader struggle for political legitimacy.
