Imran Khan barred: Nomination nixed for Pakistan’s upcoming national assembly elections

In a sensational twist in Pakistan’s political saga, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s nomination has been rejected for the upcoming National Assembly elections in the constituencies of Mianwali and Lahore. This dramatic decision comes just days after the country gears up for elections scheduled for February.

Imran Khan, the 71-year-old political heavyweight and erstwhile cricket icon, finds himself enmeshed in a web of political and legal entanglements following his removal from office in April 2022. Since his incarceration in August for a three-year term over allegations of illicitly selling state gifts during his tenure, Khan has vanished from the public eye.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has cited Imran Khan’s lack of voter registration in the constituency and his “convicted by the court of law” status as reasons for the disqualification. His media team confirmed the rejection from both his hometown of Mianwali and Lahore, fueling speculation and outrage among his supporters.

Imran Khan’s popularity remains undiminished as he is still seen as the nation’s most popular leader. He has vehemently stated that he is a victim of targeted political maneuvering by the powerful military, a charge the military institution has consistently denied.

The controversy deepened when Pakistan’s Supreme Court granted Imran Khan bail in a case concerning the leak of state secrets, just after a high court refused to suspend his electoral disqualification. These unfolding events have cast a shadow over Khan’s political ambitions and Pakistan’s political climate.

This rejection marks a potentially devastating blow to Khan’s political aspirations, as the former Prime Minister struggles to navigate the treacherous waters of Pakistan’s political landscape.