ECP refuses to recognise Achakzai as PkMAP chief over failure to hold intra-party polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has refused to recognize Mehmood Khan Achakzai as the chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP). The decision stems from the party's failure to conduct its mandatory intra-party elections within the stipulated timeframe.

A full five-member bench of the ECP, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case. The proceedings also involved scrutiny of "controversial" amendments to the party's constitution and its financial accounts, in addition to Achakzai's leadership.

During the hearing, Chief Election Commissioner Raja pointed out that Achakzai's leadership was currently in question because no intra-party elections had been held. He noted that while a power of attorney signed by Achakzai would be placed on record, a separate order would be issued regarding its acceptability.

The ECP had reminded PkMAP to hold elections by October 1, 2025, and issued a show-cause notice on January 15, 2026, after the party failed to comply. Although the party was granted a 180-day extension, a subsequent request for another similar extension was denied. The ECP had clarified that intra-party elections must be completed by June 19, 2026. However, the party neither conducted the elections nor provided a satisfactory response to the commission, leading to the current refusal of recognition.

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There is currently no party head, as no intra-party election has been conducted so far.