Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan made a significant announcement on Monday, revealing that the successful independent candidates supported by the party in the 2024 general elections at the national and provincial levels would align with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) as part of their strategic parliamentary maneuvering. This declaration was made during a press briefing held in Islamabad, attended by prominent figures including Raoof Hasan, PTI’s prime ministerial candidate Omar Ayub Khan, SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Majlis Wahadat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) Secretary General Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.
Barrister Gohar emphasized that this decision was reached through a formal agreement between PTI and SIC, which would be promptly submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for official endorsement. He elaborated on the necessity of safeguarding the allocated seats in the National Assembly and across the nation by aligning with SIC, stressing the importance of maintaining parliamentary representation and cohesion.
With a focus on parliamentary strength, Barrister Gohar elucidated that PTI had secured a substantial number of seats in the National Assembly, with their independent candidates contesting and winning under the party’s banner. He underscored the significance of this move, especially in light of pending rigging allegations and the imperative to ensure fair representation for PTI in the legislative body.
SIC reiterated utmost support
Omar Ayub Khan echoed the sentiment of unity, emphasizing the collective decision of party-backed candidates to join forces with SIC across all levels of governance. He elucidated on the procedural intricacies concerning reserved seats, reiterating PTI’s commitment to leveraging its political clout effectively.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza of SIC corroborated the alliance’s historical ties with PTI, emphasizing mutual respect and a shared vision for inclusive governance. He reiterated SIC’s commitment to non-sectarian politics and expressed solidarity with PTI’s leadership.
Regarding the alleged electoral irregularities, Ayub reaffirmed PTI’s stance and demanded due recognition for the party-supported candidates. He highlighted the intention to rectify any discrepancies in seat allocations, emphasizing PTI’s determination to lead the government once formed.