Daily Times

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Wednesday began the process of receiving nomination papers from potential candidates who are set to contest polls on February 8 next year amid allegations by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that nomination papers were being “snatched” from party candidates.

Addressing the media after visiting Imran in Adiala jail, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan claimed that nomination papers were taken away from former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s secretary inside Adiala jail. “The impression of fairness and transparency in the elections would be lost if nomination papers are snatched from people,” he added. “Elections have been announced and we want the elections to be held on time,” he maintained, urging the ECP to ensure free and fair polls. Referring to the level-playing field provided to political candidates, Barrister Gohar lamented that “Nawaz Sharif always plays with the umpire. This time our candidates are not even being allowed to enter the ground” and added that the PTI’s stance regarding elections being held on time has always been consistent.

“We are afraid that the situation will worsen if our people are stopped. We do not want the situation to deteriorate.”

Barrister Gohar further told the media that he is consulting the former PTI chairman regarding the distribution of party tickets. “It could take more time.” Meanwhile, Barrister Ali Zafar said Imran had asked him to convey some messages on his behalf to the public. “Sad news is pouring from every corner of the country,” Barrister Zafar said.

“Wherever our candidates are submitting their nomination papers, the papers are being confiscated,” he said and added that the party would move the courts to take notice of the matter. He maintained that the confiscation of nomination papers does not indicate ‘free and fair elections.’ Stating that PTI stands by the Supreme Court for organising the polls, Barrister Zafar said: “Only elections would bring stability in the country”.

Moreover, the candidates can submit their nominate papers by December 22 (Friday). The ECP will release the preliminary list of candidates on December 23, while the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held from December 24 to 30. The electoral authority will allot election symbols to parties and independent candidates on January 13, a little less than a month in the lead-up to the polls on February 8.