Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf core committee vehemently denounced the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan issuing a fervent demand for his prompt release from imprisonment, a Pakistan national media agency reported.
During a meeting hold on March 14, 2024, a spectrum of issues was deliberated with particular emphasis on the lingering appeals in cases concerning the PTI founding chairman as well as the security concerns surrounding his spouse Bushra Bibi and the ongoing recounting of votes in several Punjab constituencies.
In a statement issued post discussion, the PTI legal team provided an exhaustive overview of Imran Khan’s predicaments to the core committee. The forum staunchly condemned the incarceration of the PTI founding chairman. Decrying it as a blatant display of political vendetta by the state as reported by a national Pakistani media agency.
They highlighted their dismay at the rushed trials and sentencing in cases such as Toshakhana and Cipher viewing them as clear indications of authorities biased intentions.
Expressing frustration over the deliberate delays in appealing court rulings, the committee demanded that all legal proceedings on Imran Khan be conducted in strict adherence to constitutional and legal norms. They insisted on his early release calling for an end to the what they perceived to be as a concerted effort to keep him entangled in legal battles.
Additionally, the core committee voiced serious apprehensions regarding the safety and well-being of first lady Bushra Bibi denouncing her detention in Banigala sub-jail as threat to her life. They urged authorities to provide her with comprehensive security measures and swiftly address any health-related concerns she may face.
The committee further criticised the ongoing counting of votes in Punjab constituencies labelling it has unconstitutional. They accused opposing parties of exploiting this process to unlawfully seize PTI’s rightfully won seats, thereby undermining the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution.
Reiterating their demand for a fair and transparent electoral process, they called for a thorough audit of the contested constituencies based on authentic Form-45 and the restoration of PTI stolen seats. Reacting to a decision by the Pakistan High Court (PHC), the PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat conveyed Imran Khan’s disappointment and revealed plans to change the ruling.
Marwat attributed the party legal predicament to what he described as two strategic missteps in forging alliance with other political entities. The first instance Marwat explained involved an initial agreement with JUI Sherani which was subsequently sidelined under unclear circumstances. The second misstep occurred during an alliance negotiation with Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen which was derailed by sectarian propaganda.
Marwat lamented the repercussions of these decisions, asserting that they resulted in the loss of significant parliamentary seats for the PTI. He called for introspection within the party ranks to identify those responsible for these missteps and advocated a disciplinary action to be taken against them.
He characterised it as a pivotal moment akin to a revolution. Despite the electorate’s overwhelming mandate for the PTI, he bemoaned the diminishing representation of the party in parliament citing ongoing legal challenges and strategic misjudgements as contributing factors, the Pakistani national media agency reported.
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