Imran Khan’s party Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will protest across the country today (Saturday) on allegations of rigging in the February 8 elections in Pakistan. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) will participate in their protest. The announcement came after a PTI delegation met JI leaders on Friday (February 16).
According to the country’s media The Express Tribune, in this meeting, both parties have announced to hold a protest program together on the allegation of vote rigging. In other words, Jamaat will also participate in PTI’s protest program across the country on Saturday.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser led the PTI delegation that met the Jamaat leaders. After the meeting, he told the media that the two parties have only one agenda in the situation. And that is to protest against ‘vote robbery’. Kaiser’s claim – The level of rigging allegations in the February 8 election is unprecedented. In this situation, collective action is required by the parties who have raised voice against this rigging.
The PTI leader said, “We have decided to meet those who have raised their voices against this rigging.” We will sit together and think about the next steps. Decisions will not be made in closed rooms. The country is heading towards destabilization and we will also fight the legal battle.”
At this time, Asad Qaiser called on the people to participate peacefully in Saturday’s nationwide protests. Emphasizing his commitment to strengthen democracy, he assured that the struggle against alleged rigging would continue.
Jamaat leader Liaquat Baloch gave a speech after the meeting. Welcoming the PTI delegation, he reiterated his stand against the election results. Earlier, the party had raised allegations of vote rigging on the day after the election. Baloch also demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan after the meeting with the PTI.
The Jamaat leader said, “We have discussed all aspects and it is the responsibility of the political forces to ensure that Pakistan’s elections are free from state interference.” Jamaat-e-Islami has clarified its policy and strategy.
