ISLAMABAD: PML-N Senator Saadia Abbasi intensified her critique of the electoral process in Pakistan, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja over allegations of widespread rigging in both the 2018 general elections and the recently held February 8 polls. Addressing the Parliament, Abbasi condemned what she termed as the lack of transparency in these elections and squarely blamed Raja for the failure to ensure fair polls.
Moreover, Abbasi raised concerns about the selective treatment of political detainees, highlighting the case of Khadija Shah’s release juxtaposed with the continued detention of several women leaders and activists from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). She questioned the inequality in justice, pointing out the disparity in treatment based on political affiliations.
Abbasi’s statements come amidst escalating tensions between PML-N and PTI, with both parties criticizing the conduct of the 2024 general elections. Earlier, the PTI had also called for CEC Raja’s immediate resignation, alleging his failure to prevent election rigging. This demand was echoed by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, representing PTI, following a meeting with the party’s founder, Imran Khan, at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
In addition to calling for CEC Raja’s resignation, Abbasi demanded the release of incarcerated PTI women leaders and activists, including Yasmeen Rashid, Sanam Javed, and Ayesha, emphasizing the need for equal treatment under the law. She further urged the issuance of production orders for PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, underscoring the broader political tensions and the polarized atmosphere prevailing within Pakistan’s political landscape.
