The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans for a public rally in Islamabad on March 30, to protest against alleged election rigging, post-election result manipulations, and perceived deviations from the Constitution during the February 8 general elections. The party, founded by Imran Khan, alleges that the incumbent government unfairly acquired power by tampering with election results in favor of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur accused the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government of stealing PTI’s 180 seats in the recent elections. The party aims to celebrate Pakistan Day with patriotic spirit and vigor, while also seeking permission for the planned rally in Islamabad.
Read more: PTI Chairman Voices Concerns Over Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
Despite awaiting a response from the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner’s Office regarding permission for the rally, the PTI has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court as a precaution. They plan to stage a peaceful protest against election rigging in the capital at the end of the month.
Before the rally, the PTI will conduct a press briefing on March 25 to discuss the International Monetary Fund (IMF) package and its perceived negative impacts on the economy and the public. Pakistan’s existing $3 billion arrangement with the IMF is set to expire on April 11, and discussions for an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) are scheduled in Washington next month.
Read more: PTI Chairman Voices Concerns Over Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
The party also intends to hold a public rally in Karachi on April 21, reiterating its demand for a thorough investigation into alleged election rigging. Additionally, matters such as the response to statements made by US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu and the recent Senate elections were discussed during the PTI core committee meeting.