ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have strongly criticised the election results, judicial rulings, and the country’s current state, alleging widespread electoral manipulation.
Addressing a press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, Senator Shibli Faraz, and PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja condemned what they called a blatant disregard for public mandate.
Omar Ayub: Judiciary must take a stand
Speaking at the press conference, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub said PTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and other party leaders were unjustly imprisoned and denied basic jail facilities. “Our leaders are political prisoners, yet they are being held in solitary confinement and denied their legal rights,” he stated.
He criticised the judiciary, urging it to assert its independence. “The judiciary must stand on its feet and declare: enough is enough.”
Omar Ayub also lamented the country’s economic decline, saying businesses and agriculture were collapsing. “There is no investment coming into Pakistan. The economy is at a standstill, yet the government claims it is functioning,” he said.
He warned of rising inflation, deteriorating law and order in Balochistan, and the growing inability of ordinary citizens to afford basic necessities. “If anyone believes inflation has decreased, they should accompany me to the markets and see the reality,” he challenged.
Barrister Gohar: PTI’s mandate was stolen
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar maintained that the party was denied a fair hearing on the 26th constitutional amendment, which the government passed unilaterally. “The Supreme Court must urgently hear our case and decide on the amendment,” he demanded.
He reiterated that PTI had won a clear mandate on February 8, but its victory was stolen through rigging. “The Election Commission failed in its constitutional duty to protect our mandate,” he said, insisting that PTI had the right to reclaim its stolen votes.
Gohar also revealed that Imran Khan had written to the army chief, highlighting public sentiments and urging an end to the growing divide between the people and the military. “However, no meaningful action has been taken on his letter,” he added.
Shibli Faraz: Political instability hurting Pakistan
Senator Shibli Faraz compared Pakistan’s political climate to that of a neighbouring country, which he said held transparent elections leading to stability. “In contrast, our rulers were imposed on us through fraud. Since February 8, instability has engulfed the country, creating fear and uncertainty,” he said.
Faraz stressed that Pakistan had never seen free and fair elections, arguing that the 2024 polls were the most rigged in history. “Political instability is damaging Pakistan. Until transparent elections are held, stability will remain a distant dream,” he warned.
Salman Akram Raja: Supreme Court must take notice
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja called for immediate judicial intervention over election rigging. “The February 8 elections were blatantly manipulated, and results were altered to favour certain individuals. The Election Commission’s records expose these discrepancies, yet no action is being taken,” he said.
PTI demands fresh elections
At the end of the press conference, PTI leaders criticised the Election Commission, judiciary, and government, demanding respect for public mandate and the immediate holding of transparent elections.