CEC Faces Bias Allegations: PTI’s Waqas Akram Criticizes Election Commission

PTI leaders alleged Chief Election Commissioner played a role in Imran’s exit from the elections.

PTI alleges conspiracy against Imran Khan:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sheikh Waqas Akram has accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. He alleged that the election commissioner did not do justice with his position. He, however, claimed that Sultan Raja played a key role in the “minus-Imran formula.” He claimed that no election commissioner in Pakistan’s history had taken such a controversial stance.

While talking to the media in Peshawar, Waqas Akram highlighted that the judiciary had repeatedly objected to the Chief Election Commissioner’s decisions. He also revealed that PTI leader Omar Ayub had filed a reference against the commissioner in the Supreme Judicial Council.

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PTI demands a new election commissioner:

The PTI leaders adhered to their stance that the Chief Election Commission was the sole responsible for the decline or dethroning of Imran Khan. Akram stated that PTI had completed its groundwork for appointing a new Chief Election Commission. He urged the prime minister to form a parliamentary committee to address this issue. In addition, he stressed that the Election Commission had failed to ensure a fair electoral process and had acted with a clear bias against PTI.

Controversy over Imran Khan’s letter:

The reporters then asked Akram about the controversy regarding letters sent to the Army Chief. Akram cleared that Imran Khan wrote those letters. He stated, “The message has been delivered to those it was meant for.” He did not disclose further details but hinted that the letter contained serious concerns regarding national governance.

Senate elections and reserved seats dispute:

Akram accused the Chief Election Commission of delaying Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also criticized the Election Commission’s handling of reserved seats for women. Akram called it a deliberate move against the PTI. He claimed these delays were politically motivated and aimed at reducing PTI’s influence in the legislative process.

Crackdown on PTI members:

Akram condemned the crackdown on PTI leaders and workers. He said that the crackdown on political leaders and workers is totally illegal. Akram alleged that illegal arrests were taking place in Punjab and Balochistan. He also stated that PTI offices were being forcibly shut down. The office’s shutdown creates a hindrance for party workers to organize campaigns. He called these actions an attack on democratic values.

PTI’s call for nationwide protest:

Akram announced that PTI supporters would observe a “Black Day” on February 8. He urged party workers to participate in rallies across the country. He emphasized that PTI would not back down despite the challenges it faced.

Political tensions continue to rise:

The accusations against the Chief Election Commission come amid increasing political tensions in Pakistan. PTI claims that institutions are being used to sideline Imran Khan and suppress opposition voices. Meanwhile, the ruling government denies these allegations. PTI insisted that legal and electoral processes should be followed.

Election Commission’s response:

The Election Commission has yet to officially respond to PTI’s accusations. However, government officials, including Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, have dismissed these claims.