Lahore: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central leader and former speaker Asad Qaiser said we discussed returning the mandate; now we say let’s hold elections again. All stakeholders should be taken on board for transparent elections. Whoever the public gives a mandate to in an election should run the Country because this government is accountable to IMF, not the people,” he added.
He spoke during ARY News’ program Off The Record hosted by Kashif Abbasi
He thanked God that Rauf Hassan had been arrested. And had not disappeared. He said if there is any mistake, then file a case against him and make him face the law, but don’t make him vanish and snatch his legal rights. Will the Country progress like this? Arrest and bring before court whoever is responsible! Unfortunately, when the distance between the public and authorities increases, distrust comes out, he mentioned.
Asad Qaiser stressed the constitution’s supremacy: “Country should run as per the constitution. Who will invest here if the rule of law is not maintained? Imran Khan has not admitted to doing any such thing on May 9 – PTI’s lawyer says false news is being spread in media – Imran Khan is a person who put his career at stake – He could have gone to the UK; he lacked nothing – In jail having a hard time but still refusing to compromise on principle – Protest at GHQ was not collective decision might have been individual thought, but it was not collective one.”
He also attacked the current government’s legitimacy, especially Khawaja Asif, saying, “Khawaja Asif is sitting with an illegitimate government himself. Nawaz Sharif lost by 50K votes, but his daughter is sitting in government, which shows a mandate violation.
Returning The Mandate
“We talked about returning the mandate; now we say let’s hold elections again. All stakeholders should be taken on board for transparent elections. The prices of electricity, petrol, and taxes are being increased. The needy are crying because this government is accountable to the IMF,” he shared.
Asad Qaiser expressed deep concerns over ordinary people’s economic situation and difficulties. “Electricity and petrol prices have increased so much that people can’t afford them anymore. New taxes are being imposed every other day while poverty is on the rise in our Country. This government isn’t working for its people but only answering to international bodies like IMF, which is unacceptable as we need a government that will be answerable to its citizens.
The Political Climate
He also spoke about the political climate, stressing unity within PTI and the collective decision-making process. “Our party believes in the rule of law and constitutionality at all times; therefore, any decision must reflect this. There should never be any room for personal, whimsical actions within our party structures because it goes against everything we stand for as an organization dedicated to promoting justice for all,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Asad Qaiser once again called for free & fair elections, saying, “We cannot afford another rigged election in this country because if we do, then democracy will continue to suffer from legitimacy issues which have plagued us since 2008.
Only When The Majority’s
Only when the majority’s will is respected can we establish a government representing all and serving their interests. The present administration’s actions have worsened the crisis; therefore, it needs to be changed through the democratic process.”
Asad Qaiser’s demand for elections and answerability reflects a rising discontent with the incumbency and an immediate requirement for political and economic overhauls that will restore public confidence in our nation’s stability.
