IMF office: PTI distances itself from protests

RAWALPINDI:

In the wake of protests spearheaded by overseas Pakistanis in the United States, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has distanced his party from the ongoing demonstrations abroad, clarifying that it had no involvement in the rallies outside the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Addressing the media outside Adiala Jail, following a hearing on the 190 million NCA scandal case against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, Barrister Gohar stated, "If overseas Pakistanis are making up something, then it would be their own decision."

He said there was no directive to prevent aid to Pakistan in the letter to the IMF. Instead, the focus was on ensuring clean and transparent elections.

On the other hand, in an informal conversation with journalists within the courtroom at Adiala Jail, Imran Khan commented on the IMF protest, terming it ‘right’ but claiming ignorance regarding any anti-army sloganeering that may have occurred during the demonstration.

His clarification came a day after several PTI workers from the overseas chapter staged protests outside the IMF and WB headquarters in Washington, alleging irregularities in the 2024 general elections in Pakistan. The protest in the US also saw the presence of former PM Imran's ex-chief of staff Shahbaz Gill and PTI spokesperson in the United States, Sajjad Burki.

Organised by "First Pakistan Global," the demonstration accused PTI of having its National Assembly seats reduced from 180 to 90 in the general elections.

The protests drew criticism from the Pakistani government, particularly at a time when the country was seeking another bailout package from the global lender to address economic challenges.

Also read: Tarar brands PTI ‘anti-national’

Responding to queries, the PTI chairman clarified that while the party did not request the IMF to halt financial aid to Pakistan, it did urge the global lender to reconsider its commitments to free and fair elections and transparent fund allocations.

Amid reports of internal strife within PTI over its alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Barrister Gohar reaffirmed the seriousness of the merger, stating it was the best decision given the circumstances. He highlighted the importance of securing reserved seats amidst the loss of the party's "bat" symbol.

"We sought protection not only for reserved seats but also to prevent defections by merging with a political party," Barrister Gohar asserted.

Expressing confidence in the Supreme Court (SC) to deliver justice, Barrister Gohar elaborated on PTI's pursuit of 80 seats, including 67 reserved for women and 11 for minorities. He announced plans to seek an interpretation of Article 51 of the

Constitution regarding the allocation of reserved seats.
Furthermore, Barrister Gohar revealed intentions to challenge the Peshawar High Court's (PHC) decision upholding the Election

Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) ruling denying reserved seats to PTI, indicating an impending legal battle in the apex court.

He said that Asad Qaiser never said that the resolution in favour of Palestine would not be allowed in the National Assembly, adding that this is a misunderstanding which may have happened due to the noise in the house. On the resolution on Women's Day, he said women who are enduring prosecution should also be highlighted.

Gohar said we are trying to strengthen the faith in democracy and ensure that money is not spent in the Senate election.

He further said that the secrecy of the vote in the Senate election should be maintained and that the ECP should oversee the procedure for verifying this vote.