Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) Party has called on the judiciary to accelerate cases related to alleged rigging in the nationwide votes in 2024 and the controversial 26th constitutional amendment and seeks “wise decisions” for the country’s improvement.
PTI leaders, including lawyer Gohar Ali Khan, Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz and Salman Akram Raja, held a press conference in Islamabad on Monday to speak these demands.
Khan criticized the formation of a “form 47” government and claimed that PTI’s mandate was undermined. He claimed that PTI had filed 74 petitions against voting, which was rigging in the election on February 8, but the courts had not yet handed down judgments.
He also spoke against the 26th constitutional amendment, which saw the appointment of 46 judges to the overall judiciary, including several in provincial courts.
The appointments have been subjected to criticism from the judges of some Supreme Court, the legal community and PTI itself, who Boikoted the Legal Commission for Pakistans (JCP) meeting. PTI has demanded that the case of the amendment be heard and decided immediately.
Ayub also treated the press conference and demanded the release of all political prisoners, including PTI founder Imran Khan, who has been jailed since August 2023.
He argued that the judiciary should maintain the rule of law and release those held on political charges, including previous premiere, party leaders and activists. He emphasized that Khan’s prison relationship had worsened with limited access and lack of facilities.
Furthermore, the PTI General Secretary called for more judges to be appointed election court to tackle election-related petitions in Punjab, who currently have only two lawyers handling such cases.
Raja emphasized that the current parliament lacked legal reasons because of the “stolen mandate” which PTI believes has been suppressed.
Faraz, opposition leader in the Senate, reiterated that the country could not achieve political stability without free and fair elections, emphasizing the need for legislation that would give the nation relief.
PTI is also working to form a magnificent opposition alliance with plans for anti-government protests after Eid, led by the imprisoned party founder Imran Khan. The alliance would focus on goals such as restoring the constitution and democracy.
PTI’s previous protests, especially after KHAN’s arrest in 2023, became violent, resulting in clashes with law enforcement and military litigation for those involved.
