The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, emphasized the importance of fresh, free, and fair elections, asserting that the people of Pakistan should have the freedom to choose their representatives. In response to the formation of new parties resulting from recent divisions, the PTI stated that this was not the solution to the country’s current crises.
The launch of the Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) by former PTI leader Jahangir Tareen was rejected by the PTI. Taking to Twitter, the former ruling party stated, “Forming new parties with individuals who have joined after forced separations is not the answer to the problems Pakistan is facing.” The PTI reiterated the need for transparent elections, allowing the people of Pakistan to exercise their right to select their representatives.
Tareen, once a close aide of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and a significant figure in the formation of the PTI-led government in 2018, officially unveiled his political party, the Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party, during a press conference. Tareen was accompanied by former PTI leaders, including Aleem Khan, Imran Ismail, and others. Tareen’s decision to form a new party came after a money laundering case was filed against him during the PTI-led government, leading to his separation from Khan.
“We are laying the groundwork for a new political party, the Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party,” announced Tareen, emphasizing the need for political leadership capable of addressing various pressing issues in the country, such as social and economic challenges.
The formation of the Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party followed the decision of over 80 PTI leaders to sever ties with the Imran Khan-led party. This move came in response to the protests and violence that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9. The protests, which lasted for nearly three days, resulted in at least 8 fatalities and numerous injuries. The government responded by suspending internet services and deploying army troops to restore law and order.
In the aftermath of the attacks on defense and public properties, the PTI crackdown led to the arrest of suspects involved in the vandalism. The country’s top civil-military leadership vowed to hold the rioters accountable under relevant laws, including the Army Act.Following these events, several PTI leaders, including close associates of Imran Khan, announced their departure from the party, with some attributing the May 9 attacks on military installations to Khan’s policies.
Launching new parties full of people that are coming after forced divorces is not the solution to problems Pakistan faces.
Call fresh, free and fair elections. Let the people of Pakistan choose their representatives. pic.twitter.com/fDRlb6tW0y— PTI (@PTIofficial) June 8, 2023
