Lahore: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has categorically declared that party founder Imran Khan will not enter into any deal and will return to politics with his head held high.
Speaking at a press conference at the Lahore Press Club alongside Shaukat Basra, Shayan Bashir, and Umar Dar, Salman Akram Raja strongly criticized the conduct of recent elections and the state of constitutional governance in the country.
Allegations of Electoral Manipulation
Referring to the Commonwealth report on Pakistan’s elections, Raja stated that discrepancies between Form-45 and Form-46 were found in 90 to 95 constituencies, exposing large-scale irregularities. According to him, these manipulations directly benefited the ruling party and amounted to an “attack on the election process.”
“This is not just a technical matter,” he emphasized, “it is a deliberate effort to distort the people’s mandate and weaken democracy.”
Attack on the Constitution
Salman Akram Raja further claimed that “the whole world is saying the Constitution has been attacked,” which, in his view, is a matter of national shame. He criticized recent constitutional amendments as unlawful and vowed that PTI would struggle to reverse them. He accused the government of crippling Parliament and weaponizing the judicial system as a political tool.
Party’s Strategy Moving Forward
Responding to questions about PTI’s parliamentary role, Raja said the decision on how long to remain in the assemblies will rest solely with party founder Imran Khan. He underscored that Khan has always rejected compromises that undermine principles, reiterating:
“Imran Khan will not strike any deal. He will return with his dignity intact.”
Broader Political Context
The remarks come at a time when Pakistan’s political climate remains highly charged. PTI continues to dispute the legitimacy of the February elections, pointing to evidence of rigging and external interference. International organizations have also raised questions about the transparency of the polls.
Analysts suggest that Raja’s press conference is aimed at reinforcing PTI’s narrative of victimization while signaling resilience to party supporters. His assurance that Khan will not engage in any “deal” appears intended to counter speculation that behind-the-scenes negotiations may be underway.
At the same time, his comments about constitutional violations and the manipulation of Parliament highlight PTI’s broader strategy of challenging the government’s credibility both at home and abroad.
