Fida Hussnain Lahore
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was involved in a plot to postpone the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif levelled the allegations against the PTI on the basis of its plea challenging appointment of district returning officers (DROs) from the bureaucracy.
“The PTI’s petition is a tactic to evade the elections,” alleged Shehbaz Sharif in a statement, accusing the PTI of employing double standards and hypocrisy.
The response came after the Lahore High Court (LHC) had suspended the ECP’s order seeking ROs from the bureaucracy for the February 8 general elections.
Justice Ali Baqir Najafi, in a reserved verdict on a PTI petition, referred the case to the LHC chief justice, recommending the formation of a larger bench for further proceedings. Umair Niazi filed the petition and argued that impartial and transparent elections could not be expected from a caretaker government and urged the court to nullify the ECP’s notification.
In compliance of the LHC orders, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) halted the training of district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs).
The ECP spokesperson announced the suspension of training in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, in compliance with the court directive.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the PTI’s contradictory stance, filing court petitions to delay the polls while publicly advocating for timely elections. The PML-N president held the PTI responsible for any potential delay in the February 8, 2024, elections.
Shehbaz Sharif also accused the PTI of engaging in a similar duplicity related to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, pointing out that the party aimed to create political instability and a constitutional crisis in the country.
The PML-N chief argued that the PTI’s actions are hindering economic progress and perpetuating the public’s economic challenges.
