Denied Jail Access and Ticket Distribution:
Imran Khan highlighted his frustration with not being allowed into jail for meetings with PTI leaders to discuss the distribution of tickets for the upcoming elections, despite court orders. He claimed that the distribution process, involving 850 tickets, was executed with minimal input from him. PTI workers and candidates complained about being denied party tickets, and Khan assured them that he was unaware of the distribution details, emphasizing the complexity of deciding on 850 tickets in a brief discussion.
Dialogue Option and Fair Elections:
Addressing the possibility of dialogue with certain quarters, the former premier mentioned being offered a dialogue option 18 months ago but expressed uncertainty about the participants and the agenda. Khan emphasized that the only remaining issue for discussion was ensuring free and fair elections. He voiced concerns over the resignation of two senior judges from the Supreme Court and believed that attempts against PTI's election symbol, the "bat," were aimed at weakening the party before the elections.
PTI's Stance on Sheikh Rashid and Accountability:
Imran Khan stated that PTI had decided not to support those who held press conferences condemning the leadership, indirectly addressing the issue of supporting Sheikh Rashid in the elections. Responding to questions about his focus on former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa rather than former spymaster Faiz Hameed, Khan argued that orders in the army come from the top.
Reflections on 2018 Elections and The Economist Article:
Imran Khan reflected on the challenges faced by PTI in the 2018 elections, citing the sudden collapse of the Result Transmission System (RTS) as a factor contributing to the loss of 15 seats with a margin of less than 3,000 votes. Regarding the recent article in The Economist, Khan revealed that he verbally dictated the article to his lawyers, instructing them to gather more information from his recorded interviews. However, there were reports of intercepted hand-written notes from Khan in jail premises.
Toshakhana Case Proceedings:
The article also highlighted the ongoing proceedings in the Toshakhana case, where Judge Mohammad Bashir of the accountability court recorded statements from four witnesses. Eight witnesses have testified so far, with further proceedings adjourned until January 15.
Conclusion:
Imran Khan's recent statements provide insight into the challenges and controversies surrounding the PTI as it prepares for upcoming elections. Allegations of unfair treatment, political maneuvering, and concerns about the electoral process underscore the complexities of the political landscape in Pakistan. As the nation awaits further developments, the upcoming elections will likely be closely watched for any impact on the trajectory of Pakistani politics.
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