On February 15, 2024, the jailed former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan sought the help from United States of America with a special message to Washington that it should play a role and voice concern about his country’s rigged elections. He has also accused the US of not fulfilling his responsibilities against the anti-Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) measures in Pakistan.
Conveying Imran Khan’s message, the PTI leader Muhammad Ali Saif said that the PTI founder had called it the responsibility of the US to raise its voice over the transparency of elections in his country, said a Pakistani media agency. He accused the US of patronizing and imposing dictators and installing corrupt people as rulers. Saif made the remarks while speaking to reporters outside th Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi along with PTI leader Asad Qaiser.
Muhammad Saif said Imran Khan had a special message for the US which he wants to be highlighted as much as possible Quoting Imran Khan, he said that the US did not fulfill its duties against the anti-PTI measures and has additionally accused the US that it had been patronizing and installed corrupt people as leaders. Further quoting Khan, he stressed that it was an opportunity for the US to rectify its actions and added that the US should keep monitoring election rigging in Pakistan.
“It is Americas responsibility to raise its voice on the transparency of elections in Pakistan, Barrister Saif quoted Imran Khan as saying. Furthermore, Asad Qaiser said that there was concern over the US silence on alleged rigging in the polls conducted on February 8, 2024. He also said “America acts like the voice of democracy in the whole world, but both the US and Europe’s have maintained silence on alleged rigging in the polls conducted on February 8, 2024.
Asad Qaiser said they wanted to remind the US and Europe of their responsibility and that basic democratic rights of citizens are in danger and were stolen. He said “we want the rule of law and the constitution. He called on the Chief Justice in Pakistan to take note of the alleged rigging in elections.
When asked about Imran Khan’s changed stance on the US, Saif said that the PTI founder made the statement in response to the US Department recent press briefing in which he had called for the probe of claims of interference and fraud in the polls, a national Pakistan news channel said. According to the national news report, “This is our response that the US should pressurize those involved in rigging instead of such cosmetic statements.
Earlier on February 14, 2024, the US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller called for an investigation of rigging allegations in the Pakistan general election held on February 8, 2024.
On being asked about the US lawmakers calling on the State Department not to accept the results of the elections held in Pakistan until allegations of rigging are investigated, Miler said “So we have called for those allegations to be investigated. We think that is an appropriate step to take. That is our response to the question of irregularities not just in Pakistan, but when we see them anywhere in the world.
“We think they are thoroughly investigated and resolved and so that we will continue to call for that. But at the same time, it is clear that the elections held in Pakistan were competitive and we look forward to working with the government, once it’s formed that the people of Pakistan elected,” he said.
Pakistan held its 12th General National Elections on February 8, 2024 amid allegations of rigging and the shutdown of cellular and internet services, the Pakistani media national reported. The PTI has announced that it will stage nationwide protest on February 17, 2024 against the rigging of elections. According to election results, the independent candidates supported by PTI have won 92 seats. PML-N is at the second position with 72 seats, while the PPP has 54 seats, a Pakistan based news channel said.
The MQM-P has secured victory in 17 constituencies, JUI-F has won four seats, PML-Q has secured victory in three constituencies while IPP and BNP won two seats each. the MWM National Party, Baluchistan Awami Party Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party have won one seat each.
