All set for PTI's drive for snap polls

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is gearing up for a political movement, with party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan hinting at a call for fresh general elections in December.

The announcement came from Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, during an interaction with the media on Tuesday. Bhachar said the PTI plans to initiate a new movement starting on August 5, anticipating major changes in Punjab's political landscape. Khan is expected to announce a new schedule of public rallies across the country, signalling a campaign to push for re-elections.

"In the current scenario, Imran Khan believes that spending on re-election is preferable to enduring ongoing hardships," Bhachar stated, emphasising the leader's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for the country's challenges. He said Khan does not seek personal revenge but aims to address broader issues affecting the nation.

Addressing recent controversies, Bhachar clarified PTI's stance, asserting that the party has never been against the military. He accused the media and ruling alliance of distorting Khan's statements, which he said had been misinterpreted.

Bhachar stated that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) did not do the PTI any favour by reinstating its mandate following the apex court's decision in the reserved seats case. He pointed out that despite the revocation of the party's symbol, the 'bat', PTI-backed candidates continued to enlist themselves as party members on their nomination papers.

Meanwhile, Bhachar, accompanied by fellow lawmakers, visited an anti-terrorism court to meet with detained PTI leaders.

During the meeting, he expressed concern about the worsening health of former Punjab health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid in jail, which he attributed to the government's negligence.

He also said that former governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema had been denied medical treatment despite a court order instructing the jail authorities to transfer him to a hospital. "The government continues its oppressive actions against our leaders, but our resolve remains strong under the leadership of Imran Khan," Bhachar asserted.

PTI Senator Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhry also spoke on the occasion, criticising his own imprisonment.

He claimed to be the only parliamentarian unjustly imprisoned for a year and a half due to fabricated cases.