Imran snubs PTI’s disgruntled workers

–PTI chief says won’t get blackmailed by party members denied election tickets

–PTI to amend list of candidates for reserved seats

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday decided to amend the lists of the party’s nominated candidates on reserved seats for the upcoming general elections, as PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that he would not be “blackmailed” by members denied party tickets even if “10,000 workers” stage a sit-in outside his Banigala residence.

Addressing disgruntled PTI members protesting outside his Banigala estate, Imran Khan said that he will not change his decision regarding tickets for general elections due to any kind of pressure.

He said that the decision for awarding tickets has been done by the parliamentary members on the basis of merit. “If I change my decision today because of you, tomorrow more people will come here… I am not saying this because of me or my honesty.. I am saying this because I fear Allah,” said Imran.

The PTI chairman urged the workers to submit review petition, adding that he will sit with his board and decided on the issue.

The members lamented that those were not given tickets, who were a part of the membership drive. “Will decide on the basis of merit,” said Imran to the disgruntled workers, after listening to their grievances.

However, after some time a group of PTI members from Jehlum stormed the PTI chief’s office and protested against the party’s decision of seat adjustment with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q).

The protesting members also refused to let senior leader Jahangir Khan Tareen pass when he attempted to leave Khan’s residence.

Earlier on Monday, the PTI decided to amend the lists of party candidates nominated on reserved seats for the upcoming general election.

According to sources, the PTI chairman will himself prepare a new list of candidates for reserved seats.

Imran has also directed his lawyer, Babar Awan, to refer to the laws of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding submission of the new list.

According to the sources, the decision was taken after party leaders accused Shireen Mazari and Munaza Hassan for denying seats to ‘rightful’ female party workers in favour of their ‘favourites’ and ignored the recommendations made by the regional party presidents.

“After the concerns of regional presidents and other party leaders, Imran Khan reviewed the lists and rejected them as reservations proved to be valid,” the sources said, adding it was proven that lists were prepared in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Shireen Mazari denied having a role in preparing the lists of candidates for the reserved seats. “The PTI chief had sought advice from Munaza Hassan on the issue,” she said, adding Imran Khan, Aliya Hamza and Shamsa Ali prepared the lists and they included the recommendations of regional presidents.