ECP Refuses to Recognize Mahmood Khan Achakzai as PKMAP Chief Over Lack of Intra-Party Elections

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has refused to recognize Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the head of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), citing the party’s failure to hold intra-party elections.

The matter came up during the hearing of a case related to PKMAP’s intra-party elections, amendments to its constitution, and party accounts before a five-member bench of the Election Commission headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

During the proceedings, the Chief Election Commissioner questioned the party’s counsel about the individual who had signed the power of attorney submitted before the Commission. The counsel responded that it bore the signature of the party chairman.

In response, the CEC remarked that since intra-party elections had not been conducted, there was currently no recognized party chairman. He stated that, in the absence of such elections, the Commission could not acknowledge anyone as the party’s chief.

The Election Commission indicated that it would accept the power of attorney for the record and issue a separate order regarding its legal status and admissibility.

At the request of PKMAP’s counsel, the hearing was adjourned until August 19 to allow for the presentation of further arguments.

The case pertains to the party’s compliance with legal requirements concerning its internal elections, constitutional amendments, and financial accounts.