Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) once again finds itself tangled in contradictions as its political committee announced participation in the NA-129 Lahore by-election while simultaneously declaring a boycott of other constituencies where disqualified members were unseated.
In its official statement, PTI’s political committee thanked the party founder for trusting its decisions and said all future political matters have been handed over to the committee for consultation. It also expressed concern over the Toshakhana trial being held daily in Adiala Jail, claiming it would harm the basic rights of the accused and hinder fair justice.
Yet, the real contradiction lies in PTI’s electoral strategy. The statement glorified those disqualified in the May 9 cases as the party’s “true representatives” and pledged to boycott by-elections in their constituencies. But at the same time, the party announced its decision to contest the NA-129 Lahore seat, vacated after the death of Mian Azhar.
This decision clearly clashes with earlier remarks made by Uzma Khan after meeting PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. She had categorically stated that Imran Khan opposed participating in by-elections, saying it would only legitimize “unjust disqualifications” and allow the authorities to install their chosen winners. Khan, according to Uzma, warned that contesting elections under such conditions would damage PTI and validate what he termed “unfair trials.”
The confusion did not go unnoticed. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif blasted PTI’s selective approach, calling it a double standard. “Where they see a chair and power, they contest elections with enthusiasm. Where the people’s decision matters, they suddenly boycott,” he said.
He accused PTI of hiding behind boycotts in Punjab due to fear of public rejection, while being eager to contest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where they hold power and can influence outcomes. “This is not democracy, it is a game of convenience,” Asif remarked. “When victory seems certain, they compete. When defeat is inevitable, they escape.”
Observers say the party’s mixed signals reveal deep divisions and confusion within PTI ranks, with leadership struggling to maintain a consistent line between rhetoric and political reality.