ISLAMABAD: Headed by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Awaam Pakistan has challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to delist the party over its alleged failure to hold intra-party elections, calling the move “arbitrary, unwarranted and unprecedented”.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja dated August 12, 2026, Abbasi, who is also the party’s president, said Awaam Pakistan had been “taken by surprise” by an ECP notification issued on August 7. The notification cited an ECP order dated Aug 3, 2026, in a case titled “Non-Conduct of intra-party election by Awaam Pakistan”.

Abbasi said the party had conducted intra-party elections for both the National General Council and national office-bearers between March 26 and April 2, 2026. He said the polls were held within the extension granted by the ECP in its decision of January 2026.

“The results of the intra-party election and detailed documentation were submitted to the ECP on April 6, 2026,” the letter said.

He added that 12,846 party members participated in the exercise, which was “democratic, transparent, and in full compliance with the Elections Act, 2017.”

Terming the delisting “in contradiction of the record available with the ECP”, Abbasi said the action was taken “without an opportunity to be heard by the Election Commission”.

“We request an urgent hearing by the commission so that we can clarify our position,” he wrote.

While Article 17 of the Constitution guarantees the right to form political parties, enlistment with the ECP is a legal requirement for obtaining an election symbol to contest polls.

Under Section 202 of the Elections Act, 2017, a party must apply for enlistment within 30 days of formation. The application must include certified results of intra-party elections, a copy of the party constitution, details of funding sources, a membership list of at least 2,000 members with CNICs and thumb impressions, and proof of payment of a Rs200,000 non-refundable fee.

Section 208 empowers the ECP to issue a show-cause notice or impose a fine of up to Rs200,000 on a party that fails to hold intra-party elections within the prescribed timeframe. In case of continued non-compliance, the commission may cancel the party’s enlistment.

Under Section 202(6), a party whose enlistment is refused or cancelled may file an appeal in the Supreme Court within 30 days.