PESHAWAR: In the lead-up to the upcoming general elections, internal discord has surfaced within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with leaders Taimur Khan Jhagra and Sher Afzal Marwat at odds over the latter’s decision to contest polls from Peshawar.
Jhagra, a PTI leader from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and former provincial finance minister, has expressed objections to Marwat’s candidacy in the NA-32 constituency in Peshawar during the elections scheduled for February 8 next year.
“I believe it would be more appropriate for a leader from Peshawar to contest from that constituency,” remarked Jhagra, emphasizing that the party will make the final decision on candidate placements.
On the other hand, Marwat, who has submitted his nomination papers for the NA-32 constituency, said in past interviews that he is not personally interested in running for office. He clarified that PTI founder Imran Khan had directed him to contest elections from Peshawar NA-32. Sher Afzal is the lawyer of former prime minister Imran Khan and senior vice president of the PTI.
ECP Receives Over 28,000 Nomination Papers with PTI on Top
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has received a total of 28,626 nomination papers from prospective candidates across the country for the 2024 general elections. According to ECP data, 7,242 men and 471 women have filed nomination papers for national assembly seats (general), while the figures for provincial assemblies are 17,744 men and 802 women.
The ECP is currently scrutinizing the submitted nomination papers, with the process set to conclude on December 30. Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted until January 3, and decisions on these appeals will be made by January 10.
The ECP will release the list of candidates on January 11, and candidates can withdraw until January 12, just before the ECP assigns electoral symbols on January 13.
Regarding reserved seats for non-Muslims, 361 men and 32 women have submitted their nomination papers for provincial assemblies, while the numbers for national assembly seats are 140 men and 10 women. In total, 7,713 people have submitted their nomination papers for national assembly seats (general), and the figure stands at 18,546 for provincial assemblies (general).
