Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly criticized the February 8 elections, denouncing them as marred by extensive rigging that will be etched into the country’s history.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan highlighted instances of rigging during the polls. Many PTI candidates presented Form 45s, purportedly showing their victory, at the event.
The February 8 elections marked the largest in Pakistan’s history, characterized by various unique aspects. However, the outcome did not align with the expectations of political parties, as none secured a simple majority.
Although PTI-backed independent candidates emerged prominently in the results, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) asserted its ability to form the government, garnering support from some independents post-elections. Despite this, PTI maintains that the polls were not conducted fairly and plans to stage peaceful protests nationwide against the alleged rigging.
Hassan noted discrepancies between Form 45 and Form 47 results, emphasizing significant discrepancies in votes cast for national and provincial assembly seats.
Salman Akram Raja, a PTI candidate from NA-128, criticized electoral authorities, alleging rigging from polling stations to the RO office. He claimed that voters’ choices were altered covertly.
Rehana Dar, who contested against PML-N’s Khawaja Asif in NA-71, described being subjected to torture and demanded justice, expressing readiness for a re-election.
Shandana Gulzar asserted that PTI received 1.25 million votes from Karachi alone. She also questioned discrepancies in seat allocations despite PTI’s apparent victories.
PTI leader Seemabia Tahir accused PTI’s polling agents of being expelled from polling stations and highlighted Yasmeen Rashid’s defeat against PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif in NA-130, alleging irregularities in the election process.
