Facing initial resistance since the commencement of the nomination papers' submission process, on December 20, the PTI candidates effectively utilised social media platforms. Supporters shared instances of harassment against party candidates, prompting the party's new chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan, to pursue legal action.
Represented by lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, the PTI swiftly filed a constitutional petition in the Supreme Court (SC), seeking a 'level-playing field' in the elections.
Remarkably, the petition was expedited for a hearing a day after it was filed. During the hearing, the bench, led by acting Chief Justice of Pakistan Sardar Tariq Masood, questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for not ensuring a level playing field for the PTI.
Consequently, a written order was issued, directing the ECP to address the grievances of PTI candidates and ensure a fair electoral environment.
Simultaneously, the bench also granted bail to both PTI's founding chairman Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cypher case. Justice Athar Minallah emphasised in an additional note that their release on bail during the election period would guarantee "genuine elections," allowing people to express their will effectively.
The apex court, currently under the leadership of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, is keen on maintaining the institution's image, aiming to avoid accusations of political engineering as occurred in the 2018 general elections. Following the SC hearing, the PTI was also given relief by the Lahore High Court (LHC), enabling its candidates to successfully submit their nomination papers.
PTI lawyer Abuzar Salman Niazi, expressing gratitude for the intervention of Justice Ali Baqar Najfi, announced on social media that, "By the grace of Allah and the active intervention of Justice Ali Baqar Najfi, we were able to file almost 90 percent of nomination cases." Despite hurdles from the Punjab police, Niazi assured those unable to file nomination papers that appropriate action will be taken.
Even detained PTI lawyer Hassaan Niazi, accused in the May 9 incidents involving an attack on military installations, received a directive from the LHC to sign his nomination papers.
However, the ongoing debate questions why the PTI candidates secured relief from the LHC, with one lawyer emphasising the fundamental right of every citizen to submit nomination papers for elections.
Looking ahead, the scrutiny of nomination papers will play a crucial role. The Returning Officers (ROs) will continue scrutiny until December 30, followed by the filing of appeals, if any, against the ROs' decisions before the appellate tribunals.
The PTI candidates anticipate challenges to their nomination papers, particularly regarding revenue and tax records. Disputes arising from these elections will likely be adjudicated in superior courts, with the SC's role remaining significant for the PTI.Amid the formidable challenges, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has achieved a significant milestone in the submission of nomination papers for the majority of its candidates set to participate in the upcoming general elections on February 8.
Among the notable party leaders who have successfully submitted their nomination papers are PTI founder Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Zain Qureshi, Mehr Bano Qureshi, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Ali Amin Gandapur, Monis Elahi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Hammad Azhar, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, Taimur Malik, Sanam Javed and others.
Aliya Hamza Malik’s nomination papers have also been submitted. She is a PTI candidate and is in prison with Khadija Shah and others.
However, the path for all PTI candidates has been exceptionally challenging, despite the clear directives of the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Law enforcement agencies have allegedly exhibited questionable behaviour towards PTI candidates, as evident in numerous social media posts where candidates and their legal counsels exposed instances of lawlessness.
These posts included video clips depicting officials in civilian clothes and police uniforms attempting to snatch PTI candidates' nomination papers.
Reports of abductions and arrests of PTI candidates and their legal representatives flooded social media platforms nationwide.
The circumstances faced by the nation's largest political party and ECP officials across Punjab have become increasingly challenging due to the high-handedness of law enforcement agencies.
M Abdul Wadood Khan, the district election commissioner of Lahore, has filed a written complaint with the provincial election commissioner, Punjab.
He reported multiple complaints from returning officers in Lahore regarding interference by law enforcement agencies, especially the police department, in their official duties. Khan emphasised the urgency of addressing these complaints to avoid any hindrance in the ongoing election activities.
Simultaneously, various PTI leaders, expressing grievances during the submission of nomination papers, criticised the ECP and caretaker governments for allegedly failing to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.
Abdullah Warraich, PTI Gujrat District Information Secretary, highlighted that despite court orders, the returning officer of PP-31 refused to accept nomination papers for Chaudhry Saleem Sarwar Joda and Salman Sarwar Joda.
He lamented that the police were snatching nomination papers from PTI candidates while the courts appeared helpless.
PTI candidates and their legal representatives from Gujrat also reported a police raid on Zahoor Palace, resulting in the arrest of the consul of PTI Central President Pervaiz Elahi and Moonis Elahi, including advocate Irfan Bashir.
Salman Sarwar, son of PTI Gujrat leader Saleem Sarwar Jora, expressed frustration, stating, "Our lawyers have been attempting to submit nomination papers for my father since December 20, but local administration and police officials are preventing their entry into the RO office. The commission should take notice of this malpractice."
In a post on PTI's official social media handle, it was asserted, "Despite clear powers from Lahore High Court, Lahore police is not allowing the attorney of Hammad Azhar to file nomination papers in NA 129. We are filing a contempt petition in Lahore High Court, and luckily, it's open today. How much will you violate the law and Constitution.”
Another social media post highlighted police officials creating obstacles for PTI candidates while CCTV cameras installed at the site were obscured by cloth in an attempt to conceal the heavy-handed actions of the police officials.
Several candidates also complained that returning officers left their offices during working hours to avoid submitting nomination papers for PTI candidates.
