Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja has expressed deep concerns over the current political scenario in the country, hinting at the possible onset of a new era of oppression and injustice, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference flanked by PTI leaders including Shaukat Basra and Meher Bano Qureshi, he reflected on the historic elections held on February 8.
"The election day will never be forgotten by the people of Pakistan."
He emphasized that the courage shown by the public on that day, despite the climate of fear, was remarkable.
"The people believed that PTI might only secure a handful of votes, perhaps ten or twenty, but the outcome proved otherwise," he stated. Raja credited the people for their resilience in the face of fear, asserting that they have demonstrated their unwavering support for PTI.
He claimed that 'many bridges' would collapse if Punjab election tribunals, nominated by Lahore High Court (LHC) chief justice, hear the electoral disputes.
Raja added that the election tribunals were not allowed to function. However, he noted, election tribunals in other provinces functioned as per the list provided by the respective chief justices.
"They [the government] fear the most in Punjab," he said, claiming that 'many bridges' will collapse if the tribunals — appointed by the LHC chief justice — hear the disputes.
Raja also expressed concern about the current state of the nation, particularly the frustration among the younger generation, who are increasingly looking to leave the country.
He underscored the urgent need to eliminate fraud from the nation, stating that it is crucial to restore integrity in Pakistan.
The PTI leader further criticized the current situation in the country, describing it as "deeply shameful."
He called for immediate action to address the issues plaguing the nation and to prevent the possible emergence of a more repressive environment.
For her part, PTI leader Meher Bano Qureshi — who also lost the Multan NA-151 seat — said that the democracy's strength lies in women's representation, regretting that only three women leaders were representing the party in Parliament.