In response to allegations of election rigging and manipulation of results in the February 8 polls, supporters and activists of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have taken to the streets in various cities across the country, staging protests and rallies.
On Sunday, PTI workers gathered in cities including Rawalpindi, Karachi, Kandhkot, and Tank, among others, demanding justice and accountability for what they perceive as the stealing of the party’s mandate.
The PTI, which emerged as the single largest winning group in the general elections, has raised serious concerns over alleged rigging and manipulation of election results, particularly citing alterations in Form 47s. The party has been vocal in its condemnation of these practices, both within and outside the parliament.
Even the incarcerated founder of PTI, Imran Khan, has sought international intervention, writing to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to request an audit of the February 8 polls.
The protests have not been without incidents. In Lahore, police arrested several PTI workers from GPO Chowk as they attempted to demonstrate. Heavy police deployment was observed in various areas of the city to maintain law and order and prevent any potential disturbances.
Similarly, in Karachi, police and Sindh Rangers were deployed outside the Korangi Deputy Commissioner’s office in anticipation of protests by PTI workers.
In Rawalpindi, tensions rose as PTI workers clashed with police after their rally, led by Seemabia Tahir, was prevented from entering the city via the Khanna Pul route. Some PTI workers were apprehended by the police, only to be released later at Tahir’s behest.
Meanwhile, in Tank, PTI workers conducted a rally from Sabir Bazaar to Town Hall ground, voicing their grievances against alleged electoral irregularities.
Protests and demonstrations were also reported in other cities, including Faisalabad, Vehari, Khushab, Islamabad, Multan, and Gujranwala, reflecting the widespread discontent among PTI supporters over the conduct of the recent elections.
As tensions continue to simmer, the PTI’s demand for electoral transparency and fairness remains at the forefront, shaping the political landscape and fueling public discourse across Pakistan.