PTI sounds the alarm for economy, calls for Khan's freedom

Akram Raja slams rights violations, election rigging, rising inflation

KARACHI:

PTI Central Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja on Saturday reiterated the party's commitment to economic stability, public welfare, and the release of founding chairperson Imran Khan.

Addressing a presser alongside PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh at Insaf House in Karachi, Barrister Raja said his party prioritises the economy as it directly impacts the livelihoods of the poor and fuels national development.

"PTI is a party of the people, not the elite. Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan's economy, yet farmers face severe hardships and are denied their rightful share," he said, adding that PTI stands with every labourer and peasant.

Barrister Raja raised concerns over the human rights situation, alleging forced disappearances and violations of citizens' rights. He cited reports of 431 individuals picked up from Karachi in February and claimed that figures including Raja Azhar, Faheem Khan, and MPA Wajid Hussain were subjected to torture after arrest. He also criticised restrictions on media freedom, saying journalists face job losses for reporting the truth.

The PTI leader accused the government of rigging the 2024 general elections, claiming his party was deprived of 22 National Assembly seats from Karachi and 180 seats nationwide.