The LHC had allowed a recount of votes in three National Assembly and one Punjab Assembly constituencies at the request of runner-up candidates from the ruling PML-N
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has confirmed the party’s participation in the upcoming municipal elections in Islamabad, expressing unwavering confidence in securing a “clean sweep” at the polls. Speaking to the media outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday, Barrister Gohar urged PTI candidates to submit their nomination papers in large numbers, stressing the importance of a strong turnout to ensure robust participation in the elections.
Gohar Khan’s optimism about PTI’s prospects was evident as he emphasized the critical nature of these municipal elections for the party’s strategy in strengthening its presence in Islamabad’s local governance. “We are confident that PTI will secure a sweeping victory in the upcoming elections,” he declared, encouraging party members to actively engage in the electoral process.
However, Gohar did not shy away from expressing his dissatisfaction with a recent Supreme Court decision regarding four constituencies. He voiced concerns over what he perceives as an injustice, stating, “Unfortunately, our concerns were not heard. Our valid votes were rejected, and there was no previous request for a recount in NA-79. We hope the Election Commission will address our concerns.” His remarks reflect PTI’s broader grievances with the judiciary’s handling of vote recounts, particularly following recent judicial decisions that have not been in the party’s favor.
Last week, on August 13, the Supreme Court set aside a Lahore High Court (LHC) order by a majority vote that allowed a recount of votes in three National Assembly and one Punjab Assembly constituencies. The recount requests, made by runner-up candidates from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), were initially approved by the ECP but later annulled by the LHC after PTI-backed candidates challenged the decision. The Supreme Court, however, overturned the LHC ruling, a move that PTI finds deeply concerning.
Apart from electoral matters, Barrister Gohar also criticized the recent temporary relief in electricity prices in Punjab, describing it as “insufficient.” He argued, “Electricity prices should be reduced for everyone, not just for a couple of months, but on a permanent basis.” He pointed out that the current relief is being funded by diverting resources from development projects, a measure he believes will not lead to long-term solutions for reducing electricity costs. Gohar’s statements underscore PTI’s broader agenda as they gear up for the upcoming municipal elections, highlighting both electoral and economic issues as central to their campaign.
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