Pakistan’s PTI Urges IMF Election Audit Prior to Bailout Talks with Government

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has penned a missive to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging the global financial institution to support an audit of the February 8 elections for the sake of Pakistan’s political stability, as reported by Dawn. The letter precedes the initiation of negotiations between the IMF and the Pakistani government for a new bailout package.

During a press briefing in Islamabad, PTI leaders including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Omar Ayub, Meher Bano Qureshi, and Muzammil Aslam disclosed details regarding PTI’s correspondence with the IMF.

Gohar Ali Khan stated that a letter authored by former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s spokesperson, Raoof Hasan, had been delivered to the IMF’s resident representative in Pakistan, with eventual receipt anticipated in Washington. He mentioned that the letter’s contents would be made public in Pakistan following its receipt by the intended recipients.

He added, “At present, we can reveal that PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan is committed to safeguarding Pakistan’s economy. The letter reiterates IMF’s assurances of ensuring free and fair elections,” as per Dawn.

Pakistan conducted its 12th national general election on February 8 amidst allegations of electoral fraud and disruptions in communication services. PTI emerged as the dominant force in the election results, securing the highest number of successful candidates. However, the party has raised concerns about electoral irregularities.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar criticized PTI’s communication with the IMF, labeling it as “highly irresponsible” during a television appearance. He emphasized that the letter was dispatched to the IMF at a time when the caretaker government was diligently working towards economic recovery, according to Dawn.

The purported draft of PTI’s letter to the IMF surfaced on social media, confirmed by Raoof Hasan as the draft he had endorsed. In the correspondence, PTI also advocated for an electoral audit by civil society organizations such as the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) and Pattan-Coalition38 to expose electoral malpractice.

Gohar Ali Khan stressed that parties lacking a legitimate mandate would be unable to govern effectively, as reported by Dawn. He stated, “Today, there is debate surrounding PTI’s communication with the IMF. Imran Khan’s vision is to foster the nation’s development and prevent any burdens on the economy.”

Additionally, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to stage a protest on March 2 against alleged electoral irregularities in the February 8 elections, as per Geo News. The party, led by Imran Khan, declared its intention to be joined by other political entities.

PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub, also a contender for the prime ministerial role, denounced the “widespread” electoral fraud during a press conference following a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan. Ayub outlined PTI’s intention to stage nationwide protests alongside other political groups, stating, “Our electoral victories were unjustly nullified. The public entrusted their mandate to the former PTI chairman. This assault on the nation’s mandate and our seats cannot go unchallenged.”