The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared its intention to stage a public rally in Islamabad on March 30th, protesting against what it alleges as election rigging, post-poll manipulations, and deviations from the Constitution during the February 8 general elections. The party, founded by Prime Minister Imran Khan, asserts that the incumbent rulers unfairly altered electoral results to favor rival parties, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
In a recent development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur accused the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led regime of seizing PTI’s electoral seats to secure its own government at the center. The PTI’s grievances culminated in a decision to organize a rally in the nation’s capital, coinciding with Pakistan Day celebrations.
Despite facing administrative hurdles, with the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner’s Office yet to grant permission, the PTI has moved to the Islamabad High Court seeking approval for the rally. Emphasizing the rally’s peaceful nature, the party aims to voice its concerns on election irregularities.
Ahead of the planned rally, the PTI will conduct a press briefing on March 25th, highlighting its stance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) package and its perceived adverse effects on the populace and the economy. With Pakistan’s $3 billion standby arrangement with the IMF set to expire in April, discussions for an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) are scheduled next month in Washington. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb disclosed that the IMF has advised Pakistan to enhance revenue generation, signaling tough economic decisions ahead.
In a parallel move, the PTI also announced a public rally scheduled for April 21st in Karachi, signaling its nationwide mobilization against alleged Election Rigging. The party reiterates its demand for a thorough investigation into what it terms as the “worst rigging” in Pakistan’s electoral history.
Additionally, the PTI discussed various diplomatic matters, including former ambassador Asad Majeed’s response to statements made by United States Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, as well as deliberations on Senate elections during its recent core committee meeting.
