Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced plans to write a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding alleged election rigging in Pakistan’s recent general elections held on Feb 8. PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar confirmed this decision.
Speaking outside Adiala Jail, Zafar emphasized that international organizations like the IMF prefer to work with countries demonstrating good governance.
Transparent elections are fundamental for democracy and ensuring good governance, he asserted. Zafar claimed that the election results on Feb 8 were tainted by rigging, turning rightful winners into losers.
Zafar further stated that countries facing allegations of election fraud risk losing credibility with international lenders, including the IMF.
Therefore, in the letter to the IMF, PTI will demand an independent audit team to investigate the claims of electoral fraud.
Several political parties, including PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl), have accused the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja of being complicit in the alleged rigging and have called for his resignation.
Pakistan, facing financial challenges, secured a $3 billion bailout package from the IMF last year, preventing a default.
However, this assistance is set to expire next month, prompting the new administration to seek another, potentially larger, bailout.