Jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has expressed his dissatisfaction with President Arif Alvi for not ensuring timely elections in the country. Speaking to the media in Lahore after a hearing of the Jinnah House attack case in the anti-terrorism court (ATC), Imran Khan’s sister shared his concerns.
According to Imran Khan’s sister, he believes that President Alvi did not utilize his constitutional powers to guarantee elections within 90 days. President Alvi had suggested a cut-off date for holding polls in a letter to the chief election commissioner (CEC) last month, just days before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that the general elections in the country would take place in the last week of January 2024.
In his letter, President Alvi mentioned Article 48(5) of the Constitution, stating that he has the authority to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of the dissolution of the assemblies for holding a general election. However, this letter did not meet PTI’s expectations, as they wanted the president to announce the exact election date rather than suggest a cut-off date to the CEC.
Despite his circumstances, Imran Khan is reportedly in high spirits in prison, although he has lost weight. He believes that efforts are being made to keep him in prison for a longer duration in the cipher case.
Imran Khan’s sister also revealed that a petition has been filed to provide him with walking space and gym equipment in Adiala jail.
Regarding Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return to the country, Asad Umar, a PTI leader, commented that Nawaz Sharif had finally returned after three years, seemingly referring to medical treatment. Asad Umar suggested that Nawaz Sharif should go to jail upon his return and expressed hope that the jailed PML-N chief would be vindicated in all cases.
The ATC has extended interim bails for PTI chief Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema and Uzma Khan, as well as party leader Asad Umar, in the Jinnah House attack case until October 16.
