Imran Khan Decides To Write Letter To IMF Over Polls Rigging In Pakistan

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has opted to communicate concerns about alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as revealed by PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar.

Addressing the media outside Adiala Jail, Zafar emphasized that international organizations, such as the IMF and the European Union, engage with countries that exhibit good governance. He underscored the fundamental necessity of transparent elections in a democratic system, asserting that such transparency is pivotal for ensuring good governance.

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Zafar accused the electoral process on February 8 of manipulating the public mandate through rigging, leading to the conversion of winners into losers. He expressed concern that organizations may hesitate to provide loans to a country marred by election rigging, highlighting the PTI’s intention to request an independent audit team to investigate the alleged fraud in the upcoming letter to the IMF.

Various political parties, including PTI, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl), have consistently raised allegations of rigging since the polls took place on February 8. Additionally, they have collectively called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja.

Pakistan, facing financial challenges, secured a temporary $3 billion bailout package from the IMF last year, preventing a default. However, this financial assistance is set to expire next month, prompting the new administration to seek another, potentially larger, program from the IMF. The decision to communicate concerns about election rigging to the IMF reflects the significance of transparent democratic processes in shaping international perceptions and securing financial support.