Karachi, In a significant move challenging the integrity of recent electoral outcomes, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Khurrum Sher Zaman has filed a case with the Election Tribunal against the alleged rigging in the NA-241 constituency. On Friday, March 22, 2024, Zaman, hopeful for justice, expressed his determination to see the electoral mandate of Karachi rightfully acknowledged and restored to PTI.
According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Zaman has completed all necessary documentary and legal preparations to bring the case before the Election Tribunal. He voiced his trust in the judicial system, highlighting his optimism that the judges of the Tribunal, Supreme Court, and High Court would uphold justice. The dispute centers around the electoral win of Mirza Ikhtiar Baig from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which Zaman contests was achieved through the manipulation of electoral documents, specifically Form 45s and 47.
Zaman presented a stark contrast in the reported vote counts, alleging a significant discrepancy in the votes tallied for himself and his opponent, Baig. He originally received 79,530 votes, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) Form 45s inaccurately reduced his total to 48,610 votes. Conversely, Baig’s count was allegedly inflated by 32,153 votes, resulting in Baig being declared the winner.
The PTI candidate described the alleged rigging as a “blatant manipulation and theft of voters’ mandate” in NA-241, pledging not to rest until justice is served and the electorate’s true intentions are honored. Zaman also thanked the citizens of Karachi for their support on election day, affirming PTI’s resolve to contest and reclaim all seats it contends were rightfully won in the city.
Furthermore, Zaman criticized PPP Co-Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for accepting what he terms as “tainted victories” and challenged him to reconsider his party’s adherence to democratic values and fundamental rights.
As the case progresses through the legal system, Khurrum Sher Zaman stands firm in his commitment to contesting the election results, seeking to correct what he views as a significant injustice and uphold democratic principles in Karachi and across Pakistan.