The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has criticized former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing him of undermining Pakistan’s sovereignty by allegedly seeking interference from the United States in the country’s elections. The party slammed Khan for perpetuating what they termed as an “organized narrative based on lies,” reported The Express Tribune.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Central Secretary Information of PML-N, denounced Imran Khan’s invitation to the US to intervene in Pakistan’s elections, asserting that it contradicted the nation’s sovereignty. Aurangzeb stressed the importance of respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and urged those with election grievances to address them through the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). She also criticized the media for spreading what she labeled as “propaganda” regarding inconclusive election results, emphasizing the need for the rule of law.
Aurangzeb accused PTI candidates of circulating fake and forged Form 45 to the media even before the official compilation process had commenced. She alleged that these forms were not in the possession of polling agents or candidates at that time, leading to the dissemination of partial and unofficial results by news channels. The PML-N swiftly responded by verifying the authenticity of the results with their candidates and election staff, revealing that PTI’s Form 45 lacked stamps, signatures, or were counterfeit.
According to Aurangzeb, instead of presenting evidence to the appropriate legal forums, PTI resorted to media propaganda. She dismissed PTI’s rigging claims as baseless and lacking evidence, comparing them to similar tactics employed in 2014. Aurangzeb highlighted the PTI’s alleged double standards in labeling elections transparent only in constituencies they won, while crying foul of rigging in defeat.
In a separate development, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaquat Ali Chatta resigned from his post, citing electoral irregularities and rigging. Chatta confessed to facilitating rigging in the Rawalpindi Division, expressing remorse for his actions and apologizing to the people of Rawalpindi. He alleged that election staff were still affixing fake stamps on ballot papers, calling for accountability and admitting his wrongdoing.
The resignation of Commissioner Chatta underscores the gravity of electoral irregularities and the need for transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s electoral process.
