PTI demands ECP members to resign

Leaders accuse CEC of ‘bias against Imran and the party’

ISLAMABAD:

As the Supreme Court’s ruling breathes new life into its prospects of securing a majority in the National Assembly, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and his top team.

The PTI leaders accused the electoral body of misinterpreting the court’s verdict and forcing party candidates to run independently in the February 8 polls.

Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan, who is also PTI’s general secretary, took to social media to express his indignation.

“Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and all four commissioners of the Election Commission of Pakistan should resign immediately if they have any honour and self-respect after the clear decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” he stated.

He further accused the ECP of bias against PTI founder Imran Khan and the party. “The Election Commission is still biased against PM Imran Khan and PTI.”

The verdict, delivered by a majority of the apex court, solidified PTI’s rightful place as a political party eligible for reserved seats, potentially pulling the rug out from under the government’s two-thirds majority in the parliament, which is crucial for any constitutional amendments.

At a press conference, PTI leaders celebrated the apex court’s landmark decision, which they believe has put them back in the political race.

The PTI’s general secretary, speaking during the media talk, berated the electoral watchdog for meddling in their election campaign and for refusing to allocate reserved seats for women and minorities to PTI on a proportional basis.

Omar Ayub congratulated the legal team and remarked, “I extend congratulations to the entire legal team. Today, I congratulate the people of Pakistan.”

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar hailed the decision as “historic,” declaring that justice had finally been served. “The court’s decision will be remembered in history. It is a joyous day for 250 million people and for democratic forces,” he said.

Gohar said that the Supreme Court’s 8 to 5 decision in favour of PTI restored the seats to the party, and he urged the ECP to implement the orders immediately, requesting the issuance of the intra-party election certificate within the week.

Accompanied by Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Hamid Raza, and PTI leaders Shibli Faraz and Salman Akram Raja, Gohar praised the legal victory.

Raja declared, “Today, we have won the legal battle; now, we have to win the political battle.”

SIC Chairman Hamid Raza reiterated the demand for the chief election commissioner’s resignation, stating, “The CEC should resign immediately.”