Islamabad, January 20, 2024
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has faced yet another hurdle in its election campaign, as the party organized a virtual Jalsa (gathering) on all major social media platforms today at 7:00 pm. The move comes after alleged illegal restrictions imposed by the establishment on PTI’s social gatherings for the upcoming elections on February 8, 2024.
The Supreme Court, aligning with the establishment’s stance, recently legitimized the Election Commission’s order to reject the Intra-Party elections of PTI. As a penalty, the ECP stripped PTI of its election symbol, the “Bat.” Consequently, all PTI candidates are now required to contest the elections independently, using different symbols allotted by Returning Officers appointed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). This has created confusion among the public as there will be no unified election symbol for PTI candidates on the ballot paper.
In response to this challenging situation, PTI has organized the virtual Jalsa to reach out to the public and inform them about the candidates and their allotted election symbols in their respective constituencies.
However, reminiscent of previous incidents during PTI’s virtual events, reports are emerging of internet disruptions, particularly on major social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. The disruptions are alleged to be orchestrated by the authorities, aiming to minimize participation in PTI’s virtual Jalsa.
Independent surveys indicate that PTI is one of the most popular and favored parties in the upcoming elections. Nonetheless, the party claims that the establishment, unwilling to see a popular party challenge its hegemony, is resorting to tactics such as internet disruptions to hinder PTI’s outreach and engagement with the electorate.
The PTI leadership has expressed concern over the interference and urged authorities to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. As the country approaches the crucial elections, the evolving situation continues to highlight the complex and contentious environment in which PTI operates.
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