Imran Khan urges nation to prepare for elections, conveys Omar Ayub

PTI founder conveys to COAS that PM Shehbaz and his allies aim to create a rift between army and PTI

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Omar Ayub Khan, has conveyed incarcerated party founder Imran Khan's message that the nation should "prepare for new elections".

Speaking to the media after a meeting with beleaguered former premier Imran Khan in Adiala Jail on Thursday, Ayub conveyed Imran’s message, saying, "The nation should prepare for new elections because they will lead to the country's development."

He continued, "The current government has failed and has pushed the army against PTI and the public," noting that Imran urged the nation to be ready for elections.

Ayub, joined by leaders including Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Sahibzada Hamid Raza Kazmi, described today's meeting with Imran as "positive".

He relayed Imran's message to army chief General Asim Munir, claiming that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the current government aim to create a rift between the Pakistan Army and PTI.

"90% of the public stands behind PTI," Ayub asserted.

He also pointed out the alleged disappearance of footage from the May 9 protests at the Corps Commander’s House and GHQ.

Ayub noted that footage from the March 14 raid at Zaman Park and the March 18 incident at the judicial complex is also missing, which he explained, has prompted Imran to seek legal action.

He stated that the Islamabad commissioner had cancelled PTI’s rally permit, but PTI plans to hold another rally on August 5, led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The general secretary of PTI said that during the meeting with the party supremo, PTI members proposed names for reserved seats to Imran, who suggested that women who stood firm during challenging times should be given these seats.

Kanwal Shauzab will finalise the details, he added.

Criticising the DG ISPR, Ayub stated that the press conference held by him highlighted the government's failure.

He also called for the Chief Election Commissioner and provincial commissioners to resign, accusing them of misinterpreting the apex court's decision.

At a hunger strike camp outside the Parliament House, Ayub emphasised that General Asim Munir should understand the government's attempt to pit the army against PTI and the people.