PTI to Stage Nationwide Protests Following Denial of Alliance Reports

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans for “peaceful protests” across the country after refuting speculations regarding potential alliances with other political parties. The announcement comes amidst reports suggesting PTI founder Imran Khan’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the PTI-P in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Despite rumors of softening stances and discussions with political rivals, PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif firmly denied any contact with PPP for government formation. Saif emphasized Khan’s directive to refrain from forming alliances with PPP and PML-N, urging PTI to remain in opposition.

Subsequent meetings with Khan in Rawalpindi saw PTI leaders Barrister Gohar Khan and Sher Afzal Marwat dismissing possibilities of coalition with either PPP or PML-N. Marwat reiterated Khan’s rejection of power-sharing arrangements with the two parties.

Additionally, PTI categorically rejected reports of a proposed alliance with PTI-P in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, affirming their independence from such affiliations.

In a bid to challenge the legitimacy of recent elections, PTI invited political parties alleging electoral irregularities, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), to join their scheduled protest on Saturday.

Amidst coalition-building efforts by other parties, PTI asserted confidence in their parliamentary strength, nominating Omar Ayub as their prime ministerial candidate. Furthermore, nominations for Punjab and Balochistan chief minister positions were announced for Mian Aslam and Salar Khan respectively.

Former PTI chairman Gohar reaffirmed PTI’s claims of securing 180 National Assembly seats in the 2024 polls, insisting on the legitimacy of results based on Form 45s.

In light of PTI’s protest plans, PTI leader Gohar is set to meet with JUI-F supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman, indicating efforts to garner broader support for their cause.

While PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed openness to dialogue with PTI, PTI remains steadfast in its commitment to opposition, advocating for inclusive reconciliation processes.

As political dynamics continue to evolve in Pakistan, PTI’s decision to mobilize protests underscores their determination to assert their stance and challenge perceived electoral injustices.