Imran Khan's Party Vows To Protest Against Alleged Poll Rigging In Pakistan's Parliament

Pakistans former prime minister Imran Khans party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, has announced its decision to join the Opposition in the National Assembly and Punjab Provincial Assembly, despite earlier intentions to form a government.

Islamabad, February 16: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, declared its decision to sit in the Opposition in both the National Assembly and the Punjab Provincial Assembly. Barrister Ali Saif, a prominent member of PTI, made the announcement on Friday, a day after the party nominated Umar Ayub Khan as its candidate for the prime minister and Aslam Iqbal as the chief minister for Punjab.

Reason Behind the Decision

Saif, while addressing the media after visiting the Qaumi Watan Party in Islamabad, explained that the party's decision to join the opposition ranks in the Centre and Punjab was in accordance with the instructions of party founder Imran Khan. He emphasized that despite the fact that PTI could have potentially secured 180 seats in the Centre if the election results had not been altered and seats were allocated based on their votes, they chose to sit in the opposition.

Evidence of Victory

Saif asserted that Form 45, which serves as the official record of election results, stands as evidence that PTI candidates emerged victorious in their respective constituencies. However, it remains uncertain whether the party will participate in the upcoming elections for the prime minister and Punjab chief minister following their decision to join the opposition.

Fractured Mandate in Pakistan

Pakistan's recent general polls, held on February 8, resulted in a fractured mandate. Independent candidates backed by PTI secured 92 seats, while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party obtained 75 and 54 seats, respectively. This outcome has led to a complex political landscape in the country.