Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, plans to send a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding alleged election rigging during the February 8 general elections, according to PTI officials.
After meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and party leader Senator Ali Zafar confirmed Khan's intention to dispatch the letter to the IMF today.
Zafar stressed the importance of good governance, stating that the IMF and the European Union have their own mandates, with good governance being a key aspect. He claimed that international organizations avoid involvement with countries lacking democratic practices.
Zafar emphasized the alleged theft of the people's vote in Pakistan, stating that democracy cannot function on stolen mandates. He suggested that lending institutions are reluctant to provide loans to countries lacking democracy.
Their strategy involves addressing the letter to the IMF, with Zafar asserting that any discussion with the IMF should be preceded by an audit of election rigging. He emphasized the need for rectification where rigging is proven before engaging with the IMF.
Zafar also highlighted that their agreement with the IMF hinges on an audit against rigging, and they have urged the IMF to ensure free and fair elections in Pakistan.
This development follows a warning from the international credit rating agency Fitch, which stated that the close outcome of the February 8 elections and resulting political uncertainty may complicate efforts to secure a financing agreement with the IMF.
On Tuesday, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan warned that the failure to release election results under Form-45s could impact Pakistan's prospects for an IMF program. He demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja to ensure accountability and restore faith in the electoral process, insisting that the correct results must be released based on the public mandate.
