Choose politics of democracy or terror, Imran tells Altaf

PTI chief suggested that by-elections in Karachi should be conducted under the vigilance of Rangers

ISLAMABAD: Referring to the clash between workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), PTI chief Imran Khan asked MQM leader Altaf Hussain on Thursday to choose the politics of democracy or the politics of terror.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad,  Imran told Altaf Hussain,  “I appeal to the MQM and Altaf Hussain, [to let the by-election in NA-246 take place peacefully]."

After making an appeal, he posed a question to MQM saying “It is time for MQM and Altaf Hussain to decide whether they want to be a democratic party or want to do politics through a militant wing?”

Imran also requested the ECP to deploy Rangers on polling day in NA-246 saying “we have no confidence over Police.”

“Let this be a peaceful election,” he added.

Imran invited the MQM chief to come to Pakistan and take part in the by-polls.

Related: Faceoff: MQM workers allegedly attack PTI activists in Karachi

“It is your right,” Imran said.

Referring to the alleged rigging that took place in the 2013 general elections, Imran said that PTI was the only party in the country that actually made efforts to probe into the rigging.

“Many parties suggested that rigging took place, but PTI was the only one that stood up and took a stand,” he said.

Related: LG elections: Imran Khan asks Qureshi to steer PTI poll campaign

The PTI chief said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had about seven million ‘fake’ votes. He also went on to say that the last time Pakistan witnessed fair elections was during the 1970s.

“PTI wants to unite Pakistan. We will become a federal party and unite all political parties in the country. We want peace,” Imran said.

Joint Session of Parliament

Responding to a question whether the PTI would attend the upcoming joint session of the Parliament, on April 6, Imran said that “we will convene an emergency meeting of our party as there is a division within the party over returning to assemblies.”

The PTI had resigned from National and Provincial Assemblies except Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over allegations of rigging in general elections 2013. The party has linked its return to assemblies over constitution of judicial commission for a probe on rigging allegations.

On Wednesday the government and PTI had signed an MoU for the constitution of the judicial commission. A presidential ordinance is likely to be issued later in the day.

Khan said that some members of the party were of the view that the PTI should only return to assemblies after the judicial commission completes its job. The commission, according to the MoU has been asked to complete the process in 45 days but it may take more time.

While talking about the agreement with government, Khan said “it is not success of PTI but of Pakistan” as future elections would be free and fair.

He said that former Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice retired Khalilur Rehman Ramdy were behind rigging, therefore, had demanded judicial commission since it could not be investigated by election tribunal whether there was organized rigging.

Responding to a question, Khan clarified that both the PTI and PML-N have agreed in MoU not to issue statements over the judicial commission but there was no bar on political statements.