PTI leader rules out election boycott, hints at accepting another electoral symbol other than ‘bat’
- Gohar says ECP being used to sideline Imran Khan-led party.
- Alleges conspiracies are being hatched to minus PTI from polls.
- “Party prepared ‘Plan B’ and ‘C’ to reach the Parliament House”.
Erstwhile Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified Monday that the former ruling party has no strained ties with the establishment and other state institutions.
The politico, who became the PTI chairman when intra-party elections were nixed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), clarified his party’s stance saying: “The Armed Forces are ours. We have no tense ties with the establishment or any other institution.”
While talking to journalists, he reiterated that the Imran Khan-led party would not boycott the general elections — scheduled to be held on February 8 — at any cost even if ‘bat’ symbol is not allocated.
“We have prepared ‘Plan B’ and ‘Plan C’ to reach parliament. We will accept another electoral symbol, if ‘bat’ is not allocated, but we will not boycott the polls. Problems will be increased for reserved seats if party symbol is not allocated to us. The top court had stopped from holding non-party based elections.”
He, however, alleged that conspiracies were being hatched to minus the PTI from forthcoming general polls.
Referring to the Peshawar High Court’s stay order, Barrister Gohar said, “The PHC had ordered to issue a notification which is still due to be issued. The PTI is being cornered through the election commission.”
He urged the judiciary to play its role to ensure a level-playing field for all political parties ahead of the polls. Gohar demanded the Supreme Court (SC) and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa to take notice.
“We are placing our demands before the election commission and the judiciary. Justice Isa will have to interfere in this matter.”
Barrister Gohar also pinned hopes on the top court to ensure the organisation of fair and free elections in the country.
Yesterday, the Imran Khan-led party had announced approaching the apex court to challenge the rejection of nomination papers of ‘380 PTI candidates’ including top party leaders.
