PTI Chairman Voices Disappointment Over By-Election Results
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has expressed deep disappointment over his party's defeat in the recent by-elections, stating that their mandate continues to be unrecognized. Speaking to media representatives near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, the PTI leader issued a stern warning that the party might consider taking "another path" if the current situation persists.
Allegations of Mandate Manipulation
Gohar revealed that had the party known their mandate would be ignored once again, they would not have participated in the by-polls where PTI failed to retain its Haripur seat. He made serious allegations about political interference, claiming that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions, "someone else's control is prevailing," which he described as a grave injustice to democratic principles.
The PTI chairman emphasized that his party endured significant hardships while believing their electoral mandate would be honored, only to find themselves "viewed with suspicion" and denied recognition once more. He specifically pointed to the Haripur constituency, where he claimed PTI had led in every polling station by 27,000 votes, yet the supposedly won seat was deliberately withheld from them.
Democratic Concerns and Public Frustration
Gohar issued a stark warning about rising public sentiment, stating that "public frustration and intolerance would rise" if such actions continue unchecked. He characterized the denial of their won seat as "a bad omen for democracy" in Pakistan, highlighting the seriousness of the situation for the country's political future.
The PTI chairman also addressed ongoing challenges with party operations, noting that their patience is wearing thin as meetings are not being allowed despite court orders. He revealed that the last permitted meeting occurred on November 4, creating significant obstacles for party coordination and decision-making.
Future Strategy and Resolve
Gohar affirmed that PTI would follow instructions from party founder Imran Khan, describing the treatment toward them as "unlawful and unconstitutional." He stressed that PTI's strength comes from public mandate rather than videos or other media, and warned that the current political setup "will not survive" as it operates on the strength of an amendment rather than genuine public support.
Reaffirming his party's commitment to democratic principles, Gohar announced that PTI will hold a prayer gathering in Peshawar on November 26, demonstrating their continued engagement with supporters despite the challenging political landscape. He concluded by emphasizing that democracy must ultimately prevail in Pakistan for the country's political stability and future prosperity.
