PTI, JI unite in protest against alleged election rigging
PTI leader Asad Qaiser and JI's Liaquat Baloch address media. SCREENGRAB
In a significant development, a delegation from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) met with leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, where both parties expressed their concerns over the alleged rigging in the recent general elections and announced a joint protest against the perceived irregularities.
PTI leader and former speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, addressed the media after the meeting, stating that the two parties had a one-point agenda at this time – to protest against what they termed as "rigged" elections.
Qaiser emphasised that the level of rigging alleged in this election is unprecedented, prompting the need for collective action among parties that have raised their voices against it.
"We have decided to meet all the parties who raised their voice against this rigging. We will sit together and think about the next course of action. Decisions will not be made in closed rooms. At this time, the country is moving towards instability, and we will also fight a legal battle," said Qaiser.
He announced a nationwide protest scheduled for Saturday, urging people to participate in the peaceful demonstration. Qaiser emphasised the commitment to strengthening democracy and assured that the struggle against alleged rigging would continue.
JI leader Liaquat Baloch, speaking on the occasion, welcomed the PTI delegation and reiterated their stance against the election results, which they promptly rejected after the February 8 polls. Baloch also called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, emphasising that the new situation has become clearer after the PTI delegation's arrival.
"We have discussed all aspects, and it is the responsibility of political powers to ensure that Pakistan's elections are free from state interference. Jamaat-e-Islami has clarified its policy and strategy," said Baloch.
He further stated that the coordination between the two parties would continue, and they would bring other parties along that share concerns about the alleged election rigging. Baloch also highlighted the party's appeal to the Supreme Court for intervention.