LAHORE: Dr. Yasmin Rashid, the incarcerated president of the Punjab chapter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has issued an open letter through her lawyer, urging Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to acknowledge his anticipated defeat in the 2024 general elections. Rashid’s letter references the admissions of defeat by PML-N figures Rana Sanaullah and Saad Rafique.
In her letter, Rashid emphasized the public’s awareness of the true winner in Lahore’s NA-130 constituency. Despite running her campaign from jail, Rashid claimed to have secured more votes than Nawaz Sharif, according to 93% of the results detailed in their Form-45.
Rashid expressed hope that the electoral courts would review the alleged fraudulent results with integrity, ensuring that the truth prevails. She remarked on the nation’s commitment to democracy during the Black Day observed on February 8, warning against testing the public’s patience.
She criticized the selective enforcement of Section 144 and other laws, which she claimed unfairly target PTI supporters. “Our workers face harassment, our Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) are detained, and if they engage in peaceful protests, they are met with tear gas and baton charges,” Rashid noted. In contrast, she observed that Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, could freely celebrate victories in Lahore with police support.
Rashid refrained from blaming Tarar, attributing his actions to his allegiance to Nawaz Sharif, whom she accused of manipulating the electoral process. Rashid highlighted that it has been 372 days since the electoral process was allegedly disrupted on February 8, 2024. She criticized the emergence of a purportedly fraudulent government formed based on a manipulated Form-47, which she alleged is completely subservient to the establishment.
Rashid also pointed out the inaction of tribunals meant to resolve electoral disputes within an 80-day period, as mandated, accusing them of violating the rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
