Imran Khan requests permission from the SC to contest in elections.

Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a former prime minister, has challenged the Supreme Court’s decision to reject his nomination papers in two constituencies in an effort to continue his campaign for office.

On Khan’s side, appeals have been filed to reverse rulings from the high court, the electoral tribunal, and returning officers.

The appeals concern the NA-89 and NA-122 constituencies, in which Khan was first disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, leading to the rejection of his nomination papers. This article addresses the disqualification that results from serving in parliament while holding a profit-making position.

The legal team representing Khan contends that the disqualification notice is void in and of itself. The argument put out is that Khan’s situation does not demonstrate the necessary “moral culpability” required for disqualification under Article 63(1)H. They contend that his conviction in the Toshakhana case is immoral and shouldn’t be a reason for his dismissal.

As a result, the appeals ask the Supreme Court to deem the High Court, Election Tribunal, and returning officers’ rulings invalid. Khan would then be able to run for office from the aforementioned seats.

Khan’s legal action coincides with Pakistan’s heightened political unrest in the run-up to the pivotal elections. With the PTI claiming unfair disqualification, the voting process becomes even more convoluted. The Supreme Court’s ruling on these appeals will be carefully monitored since it may have a big effect on Khan’s electoral prospects.