In a significant political development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified nine members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following their convictions in connection with the May 9 violence. The decision, which includes the removal of key opposition leaders, comes after the lawmakers were sentenced to imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court. The ECP’s move has sparked further legal challenges for the embattled party.
On Tuesday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officially de-notified nine PTI lawmakers, including senior figures such as Senator Shibli Faraz and former Minister Omar Ayub Khan. The disqualification follows the lawmakers’ convictions in a case related to the violent incidents of May 9, 2023, which were triggered by the arrest of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan.
The decision affects five members of the National Assembly, one senator, and three members from the Punjab Assembly. Those de-notified include Omar Ayub (MNA from NA-18 Haripur), Rai Hassan Nawaz (MNA from NA-143 Sahiwal-III), Zartaj Gul (MNA from NA-185 DG Khan-II), Rai Haider Ali (MNA from NA-96 Faisalabad-II), and Sahibzada Hamid Raza (MNA from NA-104 Faisalabad-X).
Additionally, Punjab Assembly members Muhammad Ansar Iqbal (MPA from PP-73 Sargodha-III), Junaid Afzal (MPA from PP-98 Faisalabad-I), and Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal (MPA from PP-203 Sahiwal-VI) were also disqualified. The ECP’s decision comes after a special anti-terrorism court sentenced the lawmakers to prison terms of 10 years each in relation to the May 9 violence that followed Imran Khan’s arrest.
The convicted leaders were found guilty under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, which disqualifies any individual convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude and sentenced to at least two years of imprisonment. The recent disqualifications have further complicated PTI’s political standing as the party continues to face challenges in the wake of its leadership’s legal troubles.
The events of May 9, 2023, saw widespread violence and attacks on military and public properties, including the iconic Jinnah House in Lahore, following the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case. Despite numerous PTI members being released on bail, many continue to face legal battles. The disqualifications follow closely behind the ongoing protests across the country, as PTI supporters demand the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023.
