“Zardari wants to purchase a win in the elections with money which was looted during his time in power,” says Imran.
LAHORE:
Piling up pressure on the government, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief spelt out his seven-point charter of demands on Tuesday, calling upon President Asif Ali Zardari to step down immediately.
“Free and fair elections cannot be held under the president’s watch,” Imran Khan said and called upon his supporters to get ready for his call for “change and a tsunami”.
Imran spelt out his charter of demands at a news conference at PTI’s central media cell after a core strategic committee meeting of his party on Tuesday.
This comes at a time when influential scholar Dr Tahirul Qadri and tens of thousands of his supporters are staging a dharna outside the Parliament House. The massive protest provided grist for the rumour mill as doomsayers started speculating about the fate of the PPP-led coalition government.
“The government must announce the election schedule immediately to put an end to the political uncertainty prevailing in the country,” the PTI chief demanded.
He called for putting in place an interim government according to the spirit of the Constitution. Input from all stakeholders must be sought on the caretaker set-up, he said, adding that any deal between two parties would not be acceptable at any cost.
Imran said the PTI could have joined hands with Dr Qadri for “change” had the latter consulted his party before launching his “million-man march”.
“The PTI wants to bring change through public mandate in free, fair and transparent elections whereas Dr Qadri’s theory is to bring change though street power,” he added.
He accused the PPP and PML-N of cutting a deal on caretaker set-up in a bid to hijack the upcoming elections.
General elections must be held in time, he said, adding that a delay would not be tolerated. However, he said that transparent elections were not possible while Zardari was in the Presidency.
“Zardari wants to purchase a win in the elections with money which was looted during his time in power,” Imran said, adding that Zardari was violating the Lahore High Court verdict in which his dual offices were declared unconstitutional.
The PTI chief also called for the overhaul of the Election Commission of Pakistan, claiming that except the chief election commissioner, all appointments in the ECP were made on political grounds.
In an ominous warning, Imran said, “If free and fair elections are not held, there will be human blood on the roads.”
The PTI chief also called for the implementation of the Supreme Court order and demanded the government arrest Premier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
However, he made it clear that his party would not support any extra-constitutional act, maintaining that everything should be done in accordance with the Constitution.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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IK is a wise leader. though, i have sympthies for another jammat. now my views are changing. i am watching talk shows, reading newspapers. Mr. Khan is very consistant, above all, he is brave. He went Quetta and FATA. He addresses peoples with bullet proof mirror. He seems, actually the true leader. My dear country fellows, please go for Mr. khan and his PTI. Long live PAKISTAN.
PTI has acted very maturely in the current political situation; and this is what we expect form a true democratic political party. Congratulations to Pakistani nation, we have a new democratic party that is capable of leading the country.
The party put forward its adequate demands in a timely mannar. Instead of jumping into the current chaotic situation like an opportunist, the party opted for right decisions to save democracy and avoid any kind of anarchy in the country. Now it is up to the government to act wisely and announce election dates and a caretaker setup that should be genuinely neutral with census of all political parties within and outside assembly.
I admire both Dr. Qadri and Imran. But why has Imran been so "dilly-dally" all these years. Change has not been effective under his previous tries. If he succeeds now, it will be on the coat-tails of Dr. Qadri who has GUTS. Don't ever forget, institutions are usually run by the well off and the streets are where the common and mass people are and tsunami receded with little result. It looks like Imran will make use of the situation and timing but it will be due to Dr. Qadri's effective actions. Unfortunately, Imran's "restraint" (although I like him very much) has meant many many years of continued suffering for people. Dr. Qadri on the other hand, is a man of action and would give his last rupees and his life to effect change and to help the people.
@Dr.X: Very true Dr.X
The only SANE man in Pakistani politics. My vote for PTI. So much maturity and vision.
Imran khan zindabad
Imran for PM. Qadri - time to board on PIA and go back to your home country. Canada awaits you.
Imran khan we are with you...
This is the sign of a true leader. Despite having the largest street power of any political figure, he chooses to exercise restrain and use constitutional means instead. Institutions should be above any individual. We need this guy, and Allah will help us get him to power. InshAllah!