PTI MPs being forced to defect: Gohar

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sunday condemned the alleged coercive measures by rulers to force its members of the parliament (MPs) to switch loyalties and sought the Supreme Court’s intervention in this regard.

The apex court was urged to ensure implementation of its historic judgment and take notice of alleged abduction and harassment of PTI MPs and their relatives.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, flanked by MNAs Atif Khan, Sheikh Waqas and the party’s information secretary Raoof Hasan, denounced the alleged abduction of PTI MNA Sahibzada Ameer Sultan, Rizwan Malik and other social media activists and their family members, including Mian Fayyaz Ahmad Chajra’s son Mian Tajamal Hussain and brother Mian Imtiaz Hussain.

Gohar blasted the government for re-arresting Sanam Javed and Bushra Bibi, demanding their immediate release along with all other innocent prisoners.

Gohar claimed that Bushra Bibi was re-arrested in the Toshakhana case just to ‘break’ Imran Khan, as she had nothing to do with the case altogether.

Gohar noted that 25 independent MNAs had submitted their affidavits to join the PTI, while the remaining would submit theirs by Monday (today). The ECP should upload their candidates list and notify the reserved seats instantly.

He emphasized that the PTI remained united despite adversarial circumstances, enjoying 70 percent public support due to Imran Khan’s 27-year-long political struggle.

Gohar urged the Supreme Court to fix the PTI’s petition on abductions and ensure the release of kidnapped individuals.

Atif Khan emphasized that the country must be governed in accordance with the law and Constitution, as reliance on the use of brute force, coercion and harassment would only lead to a surge in barbarism.

Waqas said that after May 9, a reign of terror was unleashed to force defections, alleging even children being abducted.

Raoof Hasan Raoof reiterated his party’s demand to try the chief election commissioner (CEC) under Article 6 for conducting the “most fraudulent” elections in the country’s history.