ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has released a comprehensive white paper on alleged electoral fraud in the February 8 general elections and has called for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate what they claim as the “snatching of 180 seats.”
During a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar claimed that the party had secured 180 seats in the February 8 elections, but these seats were allegedly transferred to other parties through Form 47.
Despite filing a petition in the Supreme Court against the alleged rigging, Barrister Gohar expressed disappointment that the plea has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. To bring attention to the alleged theft of their mandate, the PTI is releasing a 234-page white paper detailing their claims.
In the February 8 elections, independent candidates supported by PTI won the majority of National Assembly seats, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, a coalition government led by the PML-N, with support from other parties including the PPP, was formed in the Centre, and later, the PML-N became the largest party in the lower house of parliament after the allocation of reserved seats.
The PTI, founded by Imran Khan, also denied to allocated reserved seats to it as its members contested the elections independently. Barrister Gohar alleged that election results were manipulated through Form 47, turning their victory into defeat.
The white paper, according to PTI, is based on reports from international organizations, foreign media, and newspapers. Additionally, they called for electoral reforms to prevent future electoral fraud.
PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub criticized the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), accusing it of failing to conduct transparent elections despite receiving substantial funds for the purpose. He demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner, alleging the ECP’s inability to ensure fair elections in the country.
