ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a white paper highlighting alleged electoral irregularities in the February 8 general elections, demanding the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate what they describe as the "misappropriation of the 180 seats".
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said, "We secured victory in the 180 seats during the [February 8] elections. However, our seats were reassigned to other parties through Form 47."
Expressing disappointment over the delay in the Supreme Court's consideration of their petition against the purported rigging, he remarked, "Our petition has yet to be scheduled for a hearing."
Barrister Gohar announced the issuance of a 234-page white paper to elucidate how, in their view, the electorate's mandate was compromised.
Despite the PTI-backed independent candidates clinching the highest number of National Assembly seats, the coalition government in the Centre was formed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), backed by other parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Consequently, the PML-N emerged as the largest party in the lower house after the allocation of reserved seats.
The PTI forfeited its claim to reserved seats as its members contested the elections independently. Citing the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to invalidate the PTI's intra-party polls, Barrister Gohar asserted that his party was compelled to participate in the general elections without its iconic ‘bat’ electoral symbol.
He alleged that their electoral triumph was negated through alleged manipulation of election results documented in Form 47.
Barrister Gohar indicated that the white paper draws on findings from international organizations, foreign media, and newspapers. He advocated for comprehensive electoral reforms to eradicate electoral malpractices once and for all.
During the briefing, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub criticized the ECP for its alleged failure to ensure transparent elections despite receiving significant funds for the purpose.
He called for the resignation of the chief election commissioner, accusing the electoral body of incompetence in conducting fair elections.
