PTI chief demands ‘independent’ election commission

ISLAMABAD, May 11: The major anti-government protests by three political parties – the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), Awami Muslim League (AML) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) – conclude amid much saber-rattling between government and opposition. 

In Islamabad, PTI and AML marched down Jinnah Avenue onto D-Chowk, while PAT’s protest took place in Rawalpindi. PTI chief Imran Khan, during his speech at D-Chowk, demanded formation of a new fully independent Election Commission and vote verification in four constituencies his party has pointed out before.

The PTI chief appreciated Hamid Mir’s efforts for freedom of speech in Pakistan. However, he criticized Geo TV and Jang group and its owner Mir Shakilur Rehman for allegedly playing a role in rigging the 2013 General Elections. Imran Khan said authorities tried their best to stop today’s rally. He vowed to make a ‘new Pakistan.’

A visit to the venue of the public rally showed that most of the participants had come from KP and other remote areas of the country. PTI Chitral workers led by their president had also arrived in the capital city to attend the sit-in.