Railing against the ruling coalition and main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Tuesday that the 20th Amendment was stacked up against his party which is “becoming a real electoral threat to both”.
“The 20th Amendment was passed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to strengthen their hold on power and to prevent the PTI from sweeping the next general elections,” Imran said.
Strongly rejecting the constitutional amendment, Imran said the PML-N continues to support the wrongdoings of the government in order to have a stake, with the PPP, in the incumbent ‘corrupt power structures’.
Terming it a ‘fraud,’ Imran said the amendment condones elections carried out against constitutional provisions.
He alleged that Rs366 million was released in five hours for senators, simply to get the 20th Amendment through the upper house.
Imran also criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s right to choose a caretaker prime minister and chief ministers.
“If the ECP appoints a caretaker government, it will divest itself from performing the task of ensuring free, fair and transparent elections,” he said.
‘Read it first’
The PML-N rejected Imran’s allegations, saying that the statements made by the PTI chief shows their lack of knowledge regarding the amendment.
“The PTI should respect Parliament’s decision by following democratic norms,” said PML-N leader Senator Mushahidullah Khan. “Imran Khan should read the content of the 20th Amendment and then issue such a statement,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2012.
COMMENTS (16)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
The old man has really lost it. It seems age is eventually showing signs.... If he is the one who will achieve the destiny Of Jinnah which actually no one knows what it was then even suggesting this is insulting the youth. If Jinnah had a destiny then it is only possible if the youth can understand what it is and also not get swayed by Knight in Shining Armour concept... no single man can do anything and neither can Imran Khan. He is living in what is known as Cuckoo Land.
Long Live IK !!
Cheasting in Politic is everywhere, not only in Pakistan. But you cannot stop Democracy. People of Pakistan have to fight more and more till next election to get Democracy for their Country. All the best.
IK is destined to achieve the destiny of the people of Pakistan which our beloved Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam has dreamt of.
we luv u imran khan. p.m of pakistan
we love u mr imran khan. p.m of pakistan inshallah
IK is the best hope for Pakistan... but so far i haven't heard anything related to Balochistan..i want to know where is PTI in the matter of Balochistan. what is PTI's future program for our Balochi brothers.. are we still gonna ignore Blochistan???.. will he declare emergency for our balochi brother??? i want to know what is PTI's stand on Balochistan???
@nnk:
It is a fact,that the Ruling Parties undermine Imran Khan's political power...REGRETTABLY it seems that in Pakistan,the Constitution can be amended just by majority of 3/4 of parlaiment votes.
In some countries...Swisszerland,e.g, a Referendum is necessary to change the Constitution.
Imran Khan could file a discovery claim at SC to prove,if the Amendment violates the Prinziples of the Constitution.
ik don't worry we are with you only!
Think about it... Imran Khan is absolutely right. NawaZardari wants the elections held under Zardari. Imran Khan is saying this is wrong. Since Nawaz & Zardari have a pact, Zardari will make sure Nawaz is the next PM...the elections will be exactly as Imran Khan terms it. PAKISTAN CANNOT AFFORD ZARDARI'S PLOTTING AND NAWAZ FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS. Pakistan has too many issues to deal with.. this is a serious fork in the road for Pakistan. We must choose the only one we haven't tried, the one who has given to pakistan without being part of the gov't..the one we have always been proud of, Imran Khan.
what's all the fuss about, he can always get this repealed once PTI is in power...in short, if he can only tackle the issue of US drones once he is in power, this is a minor issue compared to that...right?
One man practicing honesty and his dealings with dignity is far better then 100 teaching it........Long Live IK
IK is right when he says that the major political parties have joined hands once again vis the 20th Amendment, to guard against the growing threat of his party. All political parties in or out of the parliament should have been consulted. Nevertheless, PTI will put up a strong fight in the next elections.
I like IK, but it feels bad when he exaggerates simple facts.