IT is getting difficult to keep track of what the PTI wants us to believe about the July 17 by-elections in Punjab. Going by party leaders’ recent speeches, the polls have either been completely rigged, or they will prove to be an overwhelming vindication of Imran Khan’s politics. Recent statements from former prime minister Imran Khan and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry suggest that the party is confused about which narrative direction to take. On the one hand, the former premier has repeatedly alleged that a certain ‘Mr X’ and his accomplice, ‘Mr Y’, have been pulling strings to fix the election in favour of the PML-N. It is understood that these individuals belong to security institutions, which have otherwise insisted that they remain ‘neutral’. Mr Khan has also told his supporters that the PML-N enjoys the support of the chief election commissioner and that his rival party cannot win the upcoming by-elections without massive rigging. On the other hand, Mr Chaudhry seems quite confident of the PTI’s prospects despite his party head’s fears, asserting somewhat contradictorily that the PTI will secure the majority of the seats being contested this Sunday and that the PML-N cannot win even if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself rigs the election.

It appears that the PTI is playing both victim and victor to hedge against any outcome that may go against its wishes. As long as this is just a face-saving tactic, the PTI may perhaps be excused for playing politics. However, if its intentions are more sinister and its leaders are laying the grounds for more agitation and upheaval in the weeks ahead, they should reconsider the party’s stance. Clearly, the party itself believes there is a chance the elections are going to be conducted fairly. Why else would Mr Khan be describing the July 17 by-polls as the “first test” for the so-called ‘neutrals’ to prove that they are, in fact, non-partisan? Until they can prove any irregularity, PTI leaders should desist from bringing the election into disrepute. At the same time, the Election Commission must ensure that the electoral contest remains free of controversy. Pakistan cannot afford even more public discontent and loss of faith in institutions of the state when economic uncertainty is casting such a heavy shadow on its future. It is better for the country that the fight between the PTI and the PML-N remain unimpeachable.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2022