PTI barred from contesting by-polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Monday barred Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from contesting by-elections in at least four constituencies. The constituencies included Punjab's PP-23 Chakwal, Sindh's PS-81 Sanghar, PK-54, Mansehra, and PK-82, Kohistan. The by-elections in Chakwal and Sanghar are scheduled for April 18 and April 20 respectively, whereas Mansehra and Kohistan will witness the by-polls on May 10.
According to details, the ECP issued the directive following the PTI's failure in conducting intra-party elections in the prescribed time under rules and regulations of the commission. The political party was also directed to hold intra-party elections within two months. The PTI is likely to challenge the decision in the court of law, party sources said.