PTI fields Amir Dogar for NA speaker slot
PTI leader Omer Ayub announced on Tuesday that party founder Imran Khan has officially nominated Amir Dogar for the crucial position of National Assembly speaker, with Junaid Khan selected for the role of deputy speaker.
The announcement came following a series of meetings between Ayub, other party leaders, and the incarcerated PTI chief at Adiala Jail.
Amir Dogar, who previously served as the chief whip in the National Assembly during the PTI government, and also held the position of special assistant to the prime minister on political affairs under Imran Khan's leadership, emerged victorious in the February 8 general elections from Multan’s NA-149 constituency.
Meanwhile, Junaid Khan, Imran’s nominee for the NA deputy speaker, secured victory in the polls from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Malakand district.
Ayub said Junaid has proven his allegiance despite facing numerous challenges and expressed optimism about the PTI's future, asserting, “God willing, the PTI will form governments.”
Peaceful protests
Ayub also announced that the PTI is set to organise peaceful protests nationwide on Saturday, March 2, in response to alleged rigging in the February 8 elections.
Highlighting concerns about the election process, Ayub stated, “The massive rigging in the polls […] the way several returning officers reduced our seats through Form-45s, we will protest against this along with several other parties.”
Claiming unprecedented rigging in the history of Pakistan, Ayub asserted that the public mandate was stolen.
He cited an incident in Lodhran where a seat was allegedly snatched during recounting, pledging to fight against such injustices through legal means, protests in assemblies, and mobilising public support.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser stressed the party's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, stating, “We have a one-point agenda that whenever elections are held in the country, they should be free and fair.”
He asserted that the party refused to accept decisions made behind closed doors.
Qaiser urged the public to participate in the PTI’s peaceful protest on Saturday and assured that the party would formulate its strategy after gathering concerns regarding the general elections across the board.
He further announced that a decision regarding the swearing-in process would be reached during the parliamentary party meeting scheduled for Wednesday (today).
Criticising Maryam Nawaz's appointment as chief minister, he questioned the credibility of her ascension, stating, "Who will believe her legitimacy? People were forcibly gathered."
Reiterating their commitment to a lawful and constitutional struggle, he appealed to the public to engage in peaceful protests.