Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently in Adiala jail, has cautioned party candidates to conduct their election campaigns peacefully. He stated that candidates failing to initiate campaigns from Sunday risk having their election tickets replaced. Imran Khan conveyed this message informally to media persons within the Adiala jail courtroom.
Despite Imran Khan’s imprisonment and the removal of PTI’s electoral symbol, the ‘bat,’ the party remains committed to participating in the February 8 elections without boycotting. With the ‘bat’ symbol gone, PTI candidates will run with different signs.
Imran Khan also discussed the cipher case, mentioning former Ambassador Asad Majeed’s recommendation for sending a demarche after receiving a diplomatic cable. He raised questions about the suppression of the cipher, linking it to the overthrow of his government. Imran Khan alleged that General (retd) Bajwa, in October 2021, hired Husain Haqqani without his knowledge, claiming Haqqani received $35,000 and made anti-Imran tweets.
Despite challenges, Imran Khan emphasized the importance of holding elections on February 8. PTI senior leader Qureshi expressed gratitude to Javed Hashmi for withdrawing from the election race in favor of PTI-backed candidate Aamir Dogar in the NA-149 constituency. Hashmi’s decision to support PTI was acknowledged by Qureshi, who highlighted the acceptance of political interference by the National Security Committee in relation to the cipher case.
