"Although, the membership number was allotted to some PTI members by the Commission yet their electoral data was not verified by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Names of such members are not listed on the website and they are not eligible to vote in Intra-party elections," he added. The spokesman claimed that its membership in Pakistan exceeded 10 million members, making it the largest political party in the country. He hoped that the number would translate into votes at the general elections. Professor Muhammad Ibrahim of JI stated that the party collects data of its members every year - a process that was begun by the late Qazi Hussain Ahmed. He said that the total number of its members is well above 1 million, while those who elect JI chief is 35,000.
"We launch a membership drive every year, and in initial stage we register them as associate members, and after verification of their data, they are made full members," he added.
When contacted, former Secretary ECP Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad said that no party except PTI and JI has the data of their members, which is essential for political parties in foreign countries, including India. He said that MQM was the first political party which had complete data of its members well before it was adopted by JI and PTI. He suggested that the ECP should ensure that all the political parties should have the data of its members, as it will also help prepare electoral lists, besides helping to increase the number of voters.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017