ISLAMABAD: In defiance of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan’s decision, the party’s election tribunal is meeting on Monday to hear various petitions regarding alleged irregularities in intra-party polls, held in March 2013.

Sources close to the tribunal told Dawn on Sunday that despite a formal notification issued by Mr Khan on Friday announcing its dissolution, the party election tribunal, headed by retired Justice Wajihuddin Ahmed, had decided to meet in Karachi.

When contacted, Justice Wajihuddin declined to comment.

The cold war between the PTI high command and its election tribunal began last year when the latter entertained petitions regarding alleged irregularities in party elections and termed them ‘flawed’.

Take a look: Cheema complains to PTI tribunal against ‘victimisation’

Another major decision taken by the tribunal was that it had reduced terms of office of those elected in 2013 intra-party polls from four to two years.

The PTI chief had announced the dissolution of the tribunal through a public statement after it summoned him for non-compliance with its orders.

A spokesperson for the party had announced that Mr Khan would voluntarily appear before the tribunal on April 21, but he did not do so, despite being in Karachi on the day.

Also read: Ballot and bullet: Disruptions as PTI (big) guns blaze in Punjab

In its latest order issued on April 10, the tribunal expressed concern over the PTI chairman’s decision to allow former office-bearers, including party Secretary General Jahangir Tareen — who faces allegations of irregularities — to continue working as caretakers until fresh elections.

Also read: Intra-party polls deepen rift in PTI Khyber

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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