Govt tried everything to defeat us in Punjab by-polls: Imran Khan

PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the government tried everything to defeat the PTI in the Punjab by-elections.

During a televised address to the public, Khan claimed that PML-N leader Hamza Shehbaz and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) worked in connivance to defeat his party in the by-polls.

“First of all, Hamza was illegally imposed on us,” he alleged, adding that despite being refrained by the SC from using state machinery and administration for personal gains, the PML-N leader used it to rig elections in the province.

He accused the ECP of collaborating with Hamza and termed his party’s victory a “miracle”.

“A new history is being written,” he said, claiming the win came after the public stepped out to cast votes for the PTI.

The former premier added that the coalition government “disrespected the public”, considering them “sheep and goats” and tried imposing “corrupt people” on them.

'Pakistanis are now becoming a nation'

Recalling the announcement of the "Azadi March" by the PTI on May 25, Khan said that the coalition government created obstacles for those stepping out to support the “Haqeeqi Azaadi”.

“Today, I want to thank the Almighty that despite all the impediments, people came out to show support rather than staying at home out of fear,” he said, adding that he was happy to see Pakistanis now turning into a nation.

He added, “throughout my life, I have witnessed such enthusiasm only once before and that was during the 1965 war; at that time, everybody thought that the nation was fighting. And now, I saw the same enthusiasm among the masses during the by-polls in the 20 constituencies of Punjab.”

In his address, he also thanked the public for showing their support and taking to the streets in celebration last night following the Supreme Court's verdict in favour of the PTI.

The SC declared Pervez Elahi as the new chief minister of Punjab after removing PML-N's Hamza Shahbaz from office.

Khan says he warned authorities of  long-term impacts

In his address, the former PM said that all economic indicators of Pakistan showed that the economy was growing significantly during his party’s tenure, saying that the Economic Survey 2021-22 showed that such growth was witnessed after 17 years.

Highlighting the relief packages announced by his government — including the health card initiative — the PTI chairperson stated that the efforts of the party were leading the country towards a welfare state.

Criticising the coalition government, Khan maintained that during the three and half years of the PTI-led administration in the capital, the US dollar cumulatively strengthened by Rs50; however, it gained approximately Rs53 in the first three months of the coalition government.

“The question, however, remains the same: When the country was running well, then why was the conspiracy allowed despite knowing the long-term effects?” he said, questioning the authorities — which according to him — could have stopped the conspiracy.

'Elections are only solution'

Khan also shared solutions to the problems Pakistan was facing, stating that there was only one way to overcome the crisis. “A new election commission should be formed to conduct transparent elections,” he demanded, adding that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) could have stopped rigging as results are announced as soon as polling ends and it can stop 130 methods of rigging.

The PTI chief also acknowledged that the present situation was difficult, adding that “the longer this coalition government stays in power, the more it will get difficult for the people [to survive].”

Talking about the SC verdict, the PTI Chief said all the “thieves” were criticising the apex court as they consider themselves above law.

“They think that law is for the common people only,” he stated, adding that during the by-elections, the rangers and police shelled our people, “despite their conscience telling them that this was wrong, they feared losing their jobs and toed the line."

“In the last 26 years, they levelled all sorts of allegations on me and resorted to character assassination,” he lamented, emphasising that the country needs to become self-sufficient.

“It is better to die than be a slave as society suffers when thieves are in power,” he emphasised.