ISLAMABAD: Imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding leader Imran Khan has once again criticized the 2024 nationwide general election and drawn parallels with the situation in Sri Lanka, asserting that the nation's aspirations were crushed by electoral malpractice.
During an informal discussion with journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, Khan reiterated his belief that he is not engaging in negotiations with the current government for any form of compromise.
"Everything has been built on falsehoods... the election itself was fraudulent... even the security concerns were fabricated," remarked the former cricket star turned politician, alleging deliberate exclusion of PTI from the electoral process.
Khan, ousted from power through a parliamentary vote in April 2022, expressed disappointment that despite public outcry on election day, the desired change through voting was thwarted.
He vowed to continue peaceful protests against election rigging and pursue legal avenues, including approaching the Supreme Court.
Anticipating political horse-trading in the upcoming Senate elections scheduled for April 2, Khan lamented the alleged denial of access to his legal counsel.
As Pakistan prepares to secure the final installment of a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Khan warned of widespread public unrest due to a surge in inflation.
In a separate development, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan visited Adiala Jail to confer with the party founder regarding the £190 million NCA scandal.
Following the meeting, Barrister Gohar informed journalists that despite submitting a formal request, meetings with inmates at the jail were restricted.
He disclosed that discussions were held regarding finalizing candidates for the upcoming Senate polls, despite the existing constraints.
Criticizing the incumbent government, Gohar expressed dismay over the inclusion of individuals from the former caretaker administration in the federal cabinet.
Asserting their commitment to dialogue, Gohar lamented the suppression of PTI lawmakers' voices in parliament, questioning the moral authority of the current government to govern.
Additionally, PTI central leaders, along with lawyers, staged a protest outside the Islamabad High Court, proceeding towards the Parliament House, albeit being halted from entering. Subsequently, only PTI lawmakers were permitted access to parliament.
