ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has alleged that PML-N-led coalition government and some personalities are using all possible means to rig the by-election scheduled to be held on 20 seats of the Punjab Assembly on July 17.

The opposition party also criticised the federal government for accepting what it called “more stringent conditions” to conclude an agreement with IMF.

In a series of tweets, PTI’s central senior vice president Dr Shireen Mazari alleged that efforts were being made to manipulate the by-elections.

She announced holding protest rallies against the personalities and institutions which she said were involved in the alleged rigging.

Claims ‘more stringent conditions’ have been accepted to finalise IMF deal

“We want free and fair elections; don’t push us to the wall. People are with the PTI and we will not allow the government, which came to power through the US conspiracy, to rob the mandate of people,” Ms Mazari said.

She said the PTI had a number of times warned the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to stop efforts of rigging in the coming by-elections.

The PTI leader said her party would not stay silent if any attempt was made to rig the elections.

“We will strongly react in case of even a minute interference by personalities or institutions in the by-elections. We will hold protests outside the offices in Lahore and Multan,” she said without mentioning the name of any person or institution.

She warned that the economy of the country would not be able to afford the protest and unrest which would be triggered by the alleged rigging.

Meanwhile, former finance minister Shaukat Tarin has suggested that the government should provide relief to the masses in accordance with decline in prices of petroleum products in the international market.

“The recent decline in the world Crude oil prices warrants a reduction of Rs44 per litre in both the petrol and diesel. Let’s not play politics with the people and pass on the entire benefit on the present price of Brent at $97 a barrel,” he tweeted.

While criticising the agreement with IMF, he said “Imported used to curse us for a bad IMF program. Why have they extended it and with more stringent conditions. The IMF cites delayed actions by the present government for the present mess. If approved by IMF board, funds will be released in late August..still 6 weeks to go and anything can happen”.

PTI’s Secretary General for Central Punjab Hammad Azhar, in a tweet, alleged that IMF had prepared a new plan for more price hike in the country.

He alleged that the government had failed to get any relief from the IMF and because of it Rs50 per liter tax would be imposed on petroleum products in the next six months.

He also claimed that the price of electricity would also be increased by Rs8 per unit which would result into price hike.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2022