Islamabad, Pakistan
CNN
—
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan shall be disqualified from holding political workplace for 5 years, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dominated on Friday, a transfer prone to additional inflame political tensions within the nation.
While studying out the advice, ECP chief Sikandar Sultan Raja acknowledged that Khan was disqualified for being concerned in “corrupt practices.”
The fee stated its choice was based mostly on the grounds that Khan had “made false statements” relating to the declaration of the sale of presents despatched to him by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Dubai whereas in workplace – an offense that’s unlawful underneath the nation’s structure.
There had been a heavy police presence exterior the election fee’s workplace within the capital Islamabad on Friday, in anticipation of protests by Khan’s supporters. Paramilitary troops have been deployed throughout town and the Red Zone, which encases main authorities buildings, together with the election fee, has been largely sealed off to site visitors.
At a press convention proper after the announcement by the ECP, leaders from Khan’s get together, Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTI), have stated that they’ll take the matter to the Islamabad High Court, claiming that the ECP’s choice was “biased.”
PTI chief Fawad Chaudhry stated Friday this was the “beginning of a revolution” and known as for supporters to “come out of their homes and take to the streets to uphold the constitution.”
The announcement raises the prospect of Khan being unable to face within the subsequent normal election, anticipated in 2023. CNN has reached out to Khan’s lawyer for remark.
The fee’s ruling is the most recent in a collection of setbacks for Khan, who was dramatically faraway from workplace in a vote of no confidence in April.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement political get together, which is a part of the nation’s ruling coalition that ousted Khan from energy, had pushed for the fee’s investigation.
However, the cricketer-turned-populist chief maintains widespread recognition.
He has repeatedly claimed that his elimination from workplace was the results of a US-led conspiracy towards him. He has additionally alleged the present Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani army have been behind his ousting.
His claims have struck a chord with a younger inhabitants in a rustic the place anger and disillusionment with the political and army institution is being fueled by a rising cost-of-living disaster and anti-American sentiment is widespread.
The US, the ruling coalition and the Pakistani army have all denied Khan’s allegations.
His enduring recognition has translated to current provincial election victories for his get together and he has repeatedly known as for a brand new parliamentary vote at mass rallies held since his ouster.
Khan has repeatedly known as for early elections and has stated he’ll lead his supporters in a protracted march to Islamabad.