Imran Khan Alleges Election Fraud, Human Rights Abuses

Islamabad: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has addressed a detailed 349-page letter to Justice Aminuddin and Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, raising concerns over alleged election fraud, human rights violations, and the arrests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members. The letter, reported by The Express Tribune, outlines events dating back to November 2024, alleging systemic issues and governmental oppression.

Khan claimed that several PTI workers were arrested between November 24 and 27, 2024, with hospital records being altered to obscure the truth. He accused the current government of coming to power through “electoral fraud and historic rigging,” labeling the administration as unconstitutional and oppressive toward the PTI.

Allegations of Persecution

Khan described incidents of forced disappearances, unlawful executions, and torture targeting PTI members. He referenced his own detention on May 9, 2023, which occurred at the Islamabad High Court and was subsequently declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. He alleged that his arrest was deliberately televised to provoke public outrage and that infiltrators incited violence during otherwise peaceful PTI demonstrations.

Khan wrote, “The current regime has demolished our offices and subjected our leaders to brutal torture. This unconstitutional regime has inflicted severe oppression on PTI.”

Call for Judicial Intervention

PTI lawmaker Shibli Faraz criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal to form a parliamentary committee to address political issues, calling it an inadequate solution. Faraz emphasized the PTI’s demand for a judicial commission to investigate election-related issues, claiming it would inspire public trust. “People have faith in the judicial commission, which is why we are requesting it,” he said.

Faraz also reiterated the PTI’s willingness to engage in dialogue, stating, “We agreed to talks to help resolve the political crisis and stabilize the country.”

Government’s Stance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a federal cabinet meeting on January 30, expressed his readiness to restart negotiations with the PTI. Sharif proposed forming a parliamentary committee to investigate the elections of 2018 and 2024, urging PTI to collaborate in uncovering the truth. He highlighted that PTI had previously initiated a similar committee in response to election-related concerns after the 2018 elections.

Despite these overtures, PTI canceled a planned meeting on January 28, deepening the political impasse.

Implications for Pakistan

The allegations and subsequent political tensions have cast a shadow over Pakistan’s electoral and judicial processes. As both sides navigate these challenges, the formation of a judicial or parliamentary body could be a decisive step toward addressing the underlying issues and restoring public confidence in Pakistan’s democracy.

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