- PTI chief says party still deciding where to take part in Senate polls, claims Rs 30m spent to fix polls
With the government already eyeing a reduction in petroleum prices following Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)’s recommendation to the Petroleum Ministry, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Friday demanded a reduction in petrol and electricity prices on Friday.
During a press conference at his residence in Bani Gala, the PTI chief said that the government has failed in controlling the law and order situation in the country and now the petrol and gas crises have forced the people to come on roads.
Khan said that Pakistanis did not get relief in petrol prices and a new surcharge has been implemented on electricity, taking its prices further high. He said that the government has earned Rs 300 billion from petrol and now wanted to earn another Rs 300 billion from electricity through this surcharge.
Talking about the Senate elections, Khan said that the PTI was still indecisive whether it should take part in the elections or not. Additionally, he opined that senators should be elected through secret voting.
“I have learnt that as much as Rs 30 million have so far been spent to fix the Senate election,” Khan alleged, while warning his party representatives of expulsion from party if any of them was found guilty of selling their votes.
Moreover, Khan also condemned Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) for allegedly threatening the business community with dire consequences. “Subjecting the men of affairs belonging to Karachi, the economic hub of the country, to this extortive treatment is a conspiracy against Pakistan,” Khan said, adding that PTI was standing by the businessmen of the coastal metropolis.
The MQM has denied allegation as “unwarranted”.
Furthermore, it has been learnt that the PTI chief is likely to hold a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Sardar Raza Khan on Monday. He would convey his reservations over election tribunals and riggings in last year’s general elections.
