Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has urged the judiciary to expedite cases related to rigging in the 2024 general elections and the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling for “wise decisions” to benefit the country. This plea was made during a joint press conference in Islamabad by PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, and Salman Akram Raja.
During the press briefing, Gohar Ali Khan expressed frustration over the delay in court verdicts on PTI’s 74 petitions related to vote rigging in the February 8 elections. He also criticized the formation of a “Form 47” government, alleging that the ruling coalition was formed through unjust means, undermining the majority mandate.
The PTI leaders also criticized the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a series of judiciary-related appointments. Under this amendment, 46 new judges were appointed to the superior judiciary, including 12 in Sindh, 10 in Peshawar, 9 in Lahore, 3 in Balochistan, and 2 in Islamabad. These appointments were met with criticism from some Supreme Court judges and legal experts, with PTI boycotting the Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s (JCP) session. PTI leaders and opposition members have demanded the postponement of future JCP meetings until the cases related to the 26th Amendment are resolved.
Gohar reiterated that the judiciary must hear and decide on the case concerning the contentious amendment.
Calls for Release of Political Prisoners
Omar Ayub Khan, addressing the press conference, demanded that the judiciary stand firm on the rule of law and call for the release of all political prisoners, including PTI chairman Imran Khan. Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023, along with other PTI leaders such as Bushra Bibi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, and Hassan Niazi. Ayub condemned the conditions faced by Imran Khan, accusing the government of restricting his access and isolating him in Adiala Jail, despite his status as a former prime minister.
Ayub also criticized the government’s claims of economic progress and reduced inflation, asserting that these claims were false, and warned that the current situation was deterring investment.
Demands for Judicial Reforms and Political Stability
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja echoed the call for more judicial appointments, particularly to election tribunals, criticizing the current setup where only two judges were appointed to handle election-related petitions in Punjab. Raja argued that the current parliament lacked legitimacy due to the stolen mandate.
Opposition leader in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, emphasized that political stability could only be achieved through free and fair elections. He also urged for legislative reforms to provide relief to the people.
PTI’s Strategy and Upcoming Protests
PTI is moving forward with efforts to form a grand opposition alliance, with Imran Khan instructing his party members to contact opposition groups such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Awaam Pakistan, and others. PTI plans to focus on restoring the constitution and democracy.
PTI has been organizing protests since Imran Khan’s ouster from power, though these have often turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Protests following Khan’s arrest in 2023 led to attacks on government and military installations. Despite setbacks, PTI remains committed to opposing the current government and will continue its efforts to rally support for its cause.
