PTI denies assertions that Imran Khan will abstain from participating in intra-party elections.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected speculations that its chief, Imran Khan, currently in Adiala jail, will abstain from participating in intra-party polls for the position of party chairman. The statement came in response to comments by an unnamed "senior leader," later identified as Sher Afzal Khan Marwat. Earlier, Marwat had asserted that Imran had opted out of the chairman election due to legal restrictions and disqualification in the Toshakhana case.

Marwat, recently appointed as a senior vice president, disclosed this information to PTI social media representatives outside Adiala jail. Despite his claims, the PTI issued a statement on social media denying the speculation, emphasizing ongoing discussions on intra-party election matters and clarifying no decision had been made regarding Imran's withdrawal or the appointment of a replacement.

While the party stated that details on election dates and candidate selection would be shared with the media once a conclusion was reached, Marwat stood by his statement despite the PTI's denial. He maintained that his remarks were accurate, questioning the source of contradiction and urging the media to verify his statement with specific individuals present during the decision-making.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had recently ruled that the PTI's intra-party polls lacked transparency, ordering the party to conduct new elections to retain its "bat" symbol. The ECP deemed the previous polls objectionable and controversial, directing the PTI to organize fresh elections within 20 days or face severe consequences, including the loss of its election symbol. The ECP had initially issued notices to the PTI on August 2, with the verdict announced on November 23.