PTI founder voices concerns over fairness and transparency of ongoing election process
\nRAWALPINDI
\nFormer prime minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, expressed frustration and defiance during an informal media interaction at Adiala Jail on Saturday. The incarcerated cricketer-turned-politician claimed that the PTI is facing obstacles in conducting its election campaign, with restrictions preventing the party from holding public gatherings.
\nKhan boldly declared, \u201cLeave me just three days before the election and allow me to hold only one public gathering, and everyone will see what we can achieve.\u201d The statement comes as Khan voices concerns over the fairness and transparency of the ongoing election process.
\nAddressing the controversy surrounding the Toshakhana case, Khan asserted that all the gifts in the state\u2019s gift depository were estimated based on a small shop owned by an Indian citizen in Dubai. He criticized the case, claiming that it relies heavily on the testimony of a single witness, who was cross-examined today.
\nCommenting on the valuation of items in the Toshakhana, Khan said, \u201cThe jewelry worth Rs18 million has been increased to Rs3 billion,\u201d insinuating manipulation to favour certain individuals. He provocatively added, \u201cThe colonel sitting above must be listening,\u201d hinting at an alleged influence on the legal proceedings.
\nKhan also raised concerns about the selective application of justice, pointing to his disqualification while the court decision was suspended and Nawaz Sharif was cleared of his conviction. He questioned the delays in hearing appeals against his disqualification and human rights petitions, emphasising the perceived lack of democracy in the country. Also read: \u2018Unfair elections\u2019 to create more instability
\nExpressing frustration with the judicial system, Khan stated that despite the Lahore High Court\u2019s decision rejecting his nomination papers, no written order has been issued, creating uncertainty around the election process. He warned that the current conduct of the election could lead to political instability and negatively impact the country\u2019s economy.
\nReferring to political rival Nawaz Sharif, Khan accused authorities of imposing a \u201cfugitive\u201d on the nation, lamenting the apparent breakdown of the rule of law in the country. Despite the challenges, Khan expressed determination to continue the political fight, asserting, \u201cWe will fight till the last ball.\u201d
\nIn a swipe at his party\u2019s critics and those contemplating leaving the PTI, Khan confidently stated that the party\u2019s vote bank remains strong, and efforts by the establishment to break the party have failed. Looking ahead, Khan predicted that people would join the PTI after the election is concluded.
\nKhan emphasised his commitment to peaceful political activities, stating, \u201cI am a politician; I will do politics. I will not hold a gun in my hand.\u201d He criticised the alleged manipulation of intra-party elections, referring to a Supreme Court verdict upholding the Election Commission of Pakistan\u2019s decision to strip PTI of its iconic electoral symbol of \u2018bat\u2019.
\nKhan expressed his determination to exercise his right to vote through a postal ballot, stating, \u201cAll this is being done only so that Imran Khan does not come back to power.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PTI founder voices concerns over fairness and transparency of ongoing election process RAWALPINDI Former prime minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, expressed frustration and defiance during an informal media interaction at Adiala Jail on Saturday. The incarcerated cricketer-turned-politician claimed that the PTI is facing obstacles in conducting its election campaign, with restrictions […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":377901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-382005","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n