PTI gears up for protest blitz against rigging

Omar Ayub says countrywide protests would be kicked off from Balochistan

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub Khan has declared that the party is geared up to join hands with a "grand opposition alliance" in a bid to kick up a storm against alleged electoral malpractices in the February 8 general elections.

The former ruling party will push for the "restoration of the Constitution and democracy" across Pakistan, with the campaign slated to kick off from Balochistan.

Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi following a meeting with the PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Friday, party leader Asad Qaiser disclosed that the inaugural rally would take place in Pishin district as part of the protest initiative.

The announcement came as earlier this month, the PTI had revealed plans for a nationwide movement against the alleged election rigging, scheduled to kick off on April 13.

The PTI is crying foul, alleging that the current government snatched its mandate, claiming fiddling with Form 47s to give the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) the upper hand.

Read also: PTI rally demands release of Imran Khan

Ayub reiterated that the protest movement would begin in Balochistan before expanding nationwide.

An upcoming opposition meeting is slated to deliberate on the potential inclusion of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the grand opposition alliance.

Earlier this month, the PTI forged the opposition alliance as part of its strategy to mount pressure on the incumbent government.

"We are the strongest opposition in history; we are not among those who backtrack," Ayub affirmed.

The grand opposition alliance has unanimously agreed on upholding the Constitution and the rule of law as core principles.

Read: PTI to launch anti-govt movement from April 13

The PTI leader emphasised the critical link between investment, trade, development, and the supremacy of the constitution.

He cited the example of Saudi businessmen's investment in a solar energy project in Balochistan, which he claimed was disrupted following the PTI government's ousting and the formation of the PDM-II government.

Referring to the events following the May 9 riots, Ayub lamented the alleged crackdown on PTI workers, citing over 200 cases lodged against the PTI founder and detailing the suffering endured by their supporters.

"Our mission is to uphold the supremacy of the constitution and law," Ayub asserted, questioning the reasons behind their perceived marginalisation.

"We want a strong nation," he added.

Ayub also raised concerns regarding the Senate elections, asserting, "The people will ensure equal implementation of the law for all."

‘Rioters’

On the other hand, in a sharp retort to a statement made by the PTI leader, PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry condemned the PTI leader, whom he referred to as "the rioter," for lacking the courage to express solidarity with the country's martyrs – the armed forces – in the wake of recent terrorist attacks targeting military personnel.

Talal Chaudhry said that sitting in Balochistan and voicing opposition to foreign investment perpetuates the narrative of conspiracy.

He chastised the printing of images of K-P chief minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, and a TikToker on aid kits by "May 9 Riot militants," who have taken yet another U-turn.

Taking aim at “those who challenge judicial independence”, Talal accused PTI of conducting political business at the expense of the judiciary's autonomy.

He also denounced any attempt to portray the riots, chaos, and the events of May 9 as political consciousness, labelling such assertions as shameless.

He also warned against the resurgence of economic challenges and inflation, attributing these difficulties to those who he claims pushed the country to the brink of default.