Following back-to-back protests spearheaded by overseas Pakistanis in the United States (US), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan distanced his party from the ongoing demonstrations overseas. He clarified that PTI had no involvement in the recent protests outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) headquarters.
Speaking to media outside Adiala Jail — Rawalpindi post-hearing of the 190m NCA scandal case against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, Barrister Gohar stated, “If overseas Pakistanis are rallying, it’s their independent decision.”
Several PTI workers from overseas staged protests outside the IMF and WB headquarters in Washington, alleging irregularities in the 2024 general elections in Pakistan. Notably, yesterday’s protest was attended by Shahbaz Gill, former premier Khan’s ex-chief of staff, and PTI spokesperson in the United States, Sajjad Burki. The demonstration, organized by “First Pakistan Global,” claimed that PTI’s National Assembly seats were reduced to 90 from 180 in the elections.
These protests faced criticism from the Pakistani government, especially as the country sought another bailout package from the IMF to address economic challenges.
Responding to queries, the PTI chairman clarified that the party didn’t request the IMF to halt financial aid to Pakistan. However, he acknowledged that PTI urged the IMF to reconsider its commitments for ensuring free and fair elections and transparent fund allocations.
Amid reports of internal conflicts in PTI over an alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Barrister Gohar affirmed that the merger was a “serious and best decision” under prevailing circumstances. He emphasized the need for safeguarding reserved seats and preventing defections.
Expressing confidence in the Supreme Court (SC), Gohar hoped for justice for PTI, which was denied reserved seats for women and minorities. He outlined PTI’s pursuit of 80 seats, including 67 reserved seats for women and 11 for minorities.
Additionally, Gohar announced plans to challenge the Peshawar High Court’s decision upholding the Election Commission of Pakistan’s ruling denying reserved seats to PTI. He highlighted the intention to seek clarification on Article 51 of the Constitution regarding the allocation of reserved seats beyond the proportion of winning seats.
