PTI Leaders Urge Constitutional Boundaries, Foresee Fresh Elections Amidst Political Turmoil

In the midst of ongoing political turmoil, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have reiterated the importance of adhering to constitutional boundaries while predicting fresh elections in the near future. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub, speaking to the media in Lahore on Saturday, called on the nation’s armed forces and intelligence agencies to remain within their defined limits as state employees. He emphasized that politicians, too, are bound to operate within the parameters set by the Constitution.

Ayub’s remarks come at a time when the PTI is facing significant challenges following the May 9, 2023, protests that erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. The demonstrations, which included attacks on state installations like the Corps Commander House in Lahore, have led to widespread condemnation and legal actions against PTI members.

Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year, has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue, provided it is within the constitutional framework. He has also vowed to seek justice if PTI workers are found responsible for the May 9 incidents, insisting that his party members were wrongfully labeled as “terrorists” for staging peaceful protests.

During his media briefing, Ayub stated that no deal had been struck with any entity and reiterated Khan’s view that rival political parties, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), were attempting to create divisions between the nation and the military.

Ayub further claimed that this year would see the holding of fresh elections, calling on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to maintain its independence in the process. His statement echoed Khan’s earlier assertion that the current government, led by the PML-N, has only two months left before it reaches a political quagmire.

Meanwhile, PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, addressing reporters at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, underscored the need for political stability by recognizing the PTI founder as a reality. Qureshi, who has been active in politics for 40 years, pointed out that he had never faced any legal cases until the events following May 9.