Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) initiated proceedings on Monday to remove Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan from party chairmanship following his disqualification in the Toshakhana reference.

PTI has confirmed that it has received a notice in this regard. PTI leader Asad Umar said that the party has decided to write a letter to the chief election commissioner in this regard.

As per the details garnered, the ECP has fixed December 13 for the hearing of the case.

Umar said that the election commission would be asked through the letter why it had issued a notice. “Election commission should inform us in writing why they have fixed December 13 for the hearing?”

The PTI leader said that removing Imran khan from party leadership could be someone’s ‘personal agenda’, but it was not possible legally.

In October, the electoral body disqualified Imran Khan in the Toshakhana disqualification reference, saying that an individual is, “for the time being, disqualified from being elected or chosen as a member of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) or of a provincial assembly under any law for the time being in force”.

Following the ECP’s verdict, the PTI chairman had been de-seated as a member of the National Assembly.

The ECP said in its verdict that the former premier submitted a false affidavit and was found to be involved in corrupt practices.

The respondent had “intentionally and deliberately” violated the provisions contained [in] sections 137, 167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017“, said the verdict.

The ECP directed to initiate legal proceedings and to take follow-up action under Section 190(2) of the Elections Act, 2017.