PTI chairman Imran Khan. PHOTO: AFP
"We agree with the opposition's standpoint to boycott the elections, but we don't want to leave an open ground for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)," he said, during a press conference in Lahore.
Asserting that preparations were being made to rig the by-elections, he said that PTI will stand against such efforts.
"I will lead the protests myself," Imran said, adding that he will ensure transparent elections are held in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
"I challenge everyone to point out any wrongdoings before by-elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa," he said.
Blaming the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for holding the elections early, he said that Commission should have considered the possibility of the elections falling on the 27th of Ramazan, which is considered to be a holy night for Muslims worldwide.
All Parties' Conference (APC)
The PTI Chairman said that he would not be attending the All Parties' Conference (APC) as it never yielded results.
“Three APCs have taken place but to no avail. I want real information on matters of national security," said Imran.
The PTI Chairman said that terrorism is the country's biggest problem.
"I have been asking for a meeting with General Ashfaq Kayani and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif before the APC," he said, adding that the people had no idea about the agreements made by the government with various parties.
"It was because of WikiLeaks that we found out that our government had entered into a deal to allow drone strikes," he asserted.
"I know for a fact that these things won't come up in the APC and that's why I want a meeting to be called before that," he said.
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COMMENTS (35)
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Insha Allah, just give Imran Khan some room to breathe, he is human, educated and honest, something very hard to find in Pakistan where corruption is rampant. Do not get disheartened, Imran Khan will make it through, support him. It is too soon to complain.
Insha Allah @Zaman:
Imran Khan will win next election
I think Imran will win the next election.
IK never settled on the possiblities / realities, but always after some political hallucination
Not a wise decision by IK. I have heard that he was forced to take this decision by his own Presidential candidate though all know that this exercise will only please the undemocratic forces.
Either contest or don't contest! What does he mean by contesting 'under protest'?
"The PTI Chairman said that terrorism is the country’s biggest problem."emphasized text
IK, Then why can't you denounce the Taliban for shooting Malala and killing hundreds of innocent Pakistanis? If other parties have done various deals, what is your deal with the Taliban?
@arzal ahmed: Well Said. True analysis.
Imran Khan, always a self dellusionist,over ambitious,ignorant and wanna be politician exploited the young couch potato generation, who grown up by watching the likes of Zaid Hamid,Junaid Jamshed,Ali Azmat, and corporate singer Shahzad Roy, folks who r preaching an apologist reactionary muslim mentality post 9/11. According to IK he is treatened by the religious extremist group, the same groups who appointed IK as their "GUARANTOR", and chooses a British new paper for his latest revelation about his assasinatoin. But yes working understanding between MQM and PML N the two legitimate political forces of Pakistan is injurious to country, but being a GUARANTOR of TTP is definitely a right step towards PTI,JI and TTP socalled NAYA Pakistan.
@Saadat: No You didn`t- you are just a PML fan boy who will get his fingers burnt when they start to loot and plunder(unless you happen to benefit personally). You won the election and lets see you govern, the PTI have every right to complain about rigging-every man and his dog could see the elections were rigged but we still accepted the results.
strange Imran decisions can so easily be influenced? what if he comes to power and some one blows air in his ears?
I Hate PML N Do u Agree? and now after MQM pml n Alliance. Power-hungry Maulana looking for MQM Type adjustment.
Please someone remind IK that he is the head of PTI not Pakistan so please stop dictating terms and stop living in your ego.
I voted for PTI, in the last election, and now I thinks my choice was wrong. Mr. Khan proved himself time and again as arrogant and self centered person.Bye Bye Mr. Khan, your time is over.
Dirty politics is at its peak.
I voted for PTI, but dear captain your tsunami is now over, it's high time for you to become a mature politician and drop your ego. Sadly PTI was the one swept away by that tsunami. Your nasty rhetoric against PMLN backfired and now all you can do is empty chest-thumping and then whine some more.
A Naya Whining and Complaining Pakistan!
I think PTI should resign from KPK in protest against the rigging in the last general elections. IK should lead to show his 'democratic' credentials.
This is the right decision. It sets them apart from PPP and forcing Noon to dig in for fight and bring MQM in their camps - something PTI can use in Punjab against Noon in coming baldiyati elections. Besides why wouldnt a political party contest in elections? That's why they exist to contest in these elections and try to bring change either via ruling or being in opposition.
what will happen if there is no president in pakistan., nothing will change so best to absolute presidential post.
He is always crying about something. It is time to get mature and move forward. With this attitude he will not get majority in next election either. PTI has a government in KPK and it is about time to start showing some results there.
The PTI Chairman said that he would not be attending the All Parties’ Conference (APC) as it never yielded results. He can attend Save the Elephants party in Britian but APC ( All Parties Conference ) relevant to the current situation of our country is worth boycotting.?. I feel pity for those who call Imran Khan a leader. What type of leader he is who dont want to face any situation but want to hide and searching for scapegoats to run away from responsibility.
" Imran Khan said on Sunday that his party will participate in the presidential elections — under protest."
Either you "participate in" or you "protest against.'
It is only the genious of Imran Khan which can do the two at the same time.
Here we go again, Pakistan's Cry Baby...
This guys' arrogance has no limits.
I dont know why Ikhan supporting every PPP policy in-directly. If you are taking under protest that mean you are not accepting the decision of SC like PPP did you also on same path with PPP. For power PPP breaks the country during so-called Shaheed ZAB regime . Just wait and see for the right time for right decisions . Just stop double standards and copying .
Why isit PTI and imran khan moaning! It's getting annoying now Mr. Khan.
that`s great
PTI simply ensuring they are looked up to as the actual opposition! Good thinking.
Very Bad decision only for the face saving of wajihuddin as he had already announced it a day earlier on tv. There should have been a strong united protest against the decision of the SC. There are two more elections to follow, and the kind of one sided local bodies elections PMLN is proposing, and SC poised to give it a free reign, pti will have a very hard time to keep its electables.
I think he should have boycotted the presidential elections. PML(N) has already achieved the disgrace PPP had achieved in five years. I don't see this government going beyond a year duration. Joining MQM perhaps was lamest of steps N league could take.
Oh come one now one has yet commented, that khan did this this wrong pls do it does not fell like an ET article
Plans are afoot to rig the elections? Has PML-Ns majority disappeared?