PTI finalises candidates for by-polls

ISLAMABAD: The Political Committee of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to field Ms Ain Ahmad from NA-66 and Ms Munazza Fatima from PP-87 (Punjab Assembly) in the upcoming by-polls. The names of candidates for other vacant constituencies will be announced soon.

The meeting reviewed the overall political situation, particularly the alleged actions against party leaders and the arrest of party founder Imran Khan’s nephews. The statement said all committee members participated in the session, which was held under the instructions of Chairman Imran Khan.

It was noted that Imran Khan had entrusted the decision regarding by-election participation to the Political Committee. After detailed consultations, the committee finalised the two names from Punjab. It was further observed that the ground realities of the by-elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are different from those in Punjab. The decision will be formally presented wto Imran Khan shortly.

The committee expressed deep concern over what it termed “fascist tactics” against PTI workers and leaders, strongly condemning the “brutal and violent” arrest of Aleema Khanum’s sons.

The members were also informed that Advocate Ali Bukhari met Chairman Imran Khan at Adiala jail. Khan clarified that decisions regarding the appointment of new opposition leaders in the National Assembly and Senate would be postponed until the current opposition leaders—Omar Ayub Khan and Shibli Faraz—exhaust all legal options. The Peshawar High Court has already issued a stay order against their removal.

The Political Committee noted that Imran Khan remains determined to win this legal battle. However, in the event of an unfavorable outcome, he has nominated Mahmood Khan Achakzai as Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Azam Khan Swati as Opposition Leader in the Senate.

The committee stated that, since meetings with Imran Khan are being restricted, he has named these individuals to ensure continuity of PTI’s future political strategy.

Meanwhile, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, in a message on his social media account, X, said that all PTI-backed candidates will take part in the by-elections on Sunni Ittehad Council tickets.