Islamabad: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and five other opposition parties will launch a mass protest movement against what it terms “worst-ever rigging” in the general elections held on February 8 and in the by-polls, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.
On Wednesday, PTI Punjab office-bearers, MNAs, MPAs and ticket-holders held a virtual meeting to discuss the issue and outline a plan for protests set to be held in Pakistan on Friday, according to Dawn report.
The meeting chaired by PTI’s Central Punjab general secretary Hammad Azhar took stock of the “stealing of PTI-backed candidates’ mandate” in all national and provincial assembly constituencies across Punjab.
Imran Khan’s party has accused the Punjab government and the Election Commission of Pakistan of planning rigging in the recent elections, according to Dawn report.
Speaking on the occasion, Hammad Azhar said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, ECP, police and other state institutions modified the results of PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council candidates to turn their victories into defeat, Dawn reported.
PTI’s Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Basra said rigging in by-polls had defeated hopes of Pakistan. He stated that the Constitution had been trampled by repeated violation of law and Pakistan will rise to take revenge for their stolen mandate.
While addressing a press conference in Karachi, PTI Sindh leader Haleem Adil Sheikh said the party had sought permission from the Sindh High Court for a protest on Friday. He further said PTI planned to organise another rally near the Mazar-i-Quaid on May 5. He recalled how official machinery had been used to curb the political activities of PTI in the past by imposing lockdown in the city or not giving them permission for their rallies.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, five opposition parties to launch protest against election rigging tomorrow
