Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has alleged that its members are facing arrests and obstructions as they attempt to file nomination papers for the upcoming elections on February 8. 

The accusations follow the rejection of PTI’s organizational elections by Pakistan’s election commission, along with the denial of the cricket bat as the electoral symbol. 

PTI members claim they are being prevented from reaching Returning Officers (ROs), challenging the caretaker government’s assurance of a level playing field.

Police List and Constitutional Rights:

PTI’s lawyers claim that police have compiled a list of over 50 PTI leaders booked in cases related to the May 9 riots across Punjab, preventing their participation in the election process. 

PTI leaders argue that their constitutional rights are being violated by these actions. The arrest of Yasmin Rashid’s husband, Rashid Nabi Malik, during an attempt to submit her nomination papers adds to the growing concerns about the fairness of the election process.

Appeals to Election Commission and Rising Tensions:

PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan called on the Chief Election Commissioner to intervene and halt what he described as madness. 

Expressing concern that the upcoming elections could be the most controversial and rigged in Pakistan’s history, Khan urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to address the alleged targeting and arrests. 

PTI leader Moonis Elahi highlighted instances where police locked the RO’s office and arrested candidates’ proposers and seconders. 

The government’s actions, including nominating individuals in FIRs and blocking IDs and bank accounts, have raised tensions.