Asad Qaiser, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has claimed that PTI lawmakers are being offered large sums of money to switch their loyalties. This revelation comes amid rising tensions following a Supreme Court ruling on reserved seats for women and minorities, which benefits PTI.
Qaiser alleged that the government is pressuring PTI MPs to change sides after the July 12 Supreme Court verdict, which allows PTI to return to parliament. This ruling has intensified political pressure and could alter the composition of the National Assembly.
In response, PTI has announced a nationwide protest for Friday, calling on all political forces to join. The protest will address three main issues:
- Law and Order: Criticizing the government’s failure to manage the deteriorating security situation.
- Imprisonment and Abductions: Opposing the detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other PTI members, along with the abduction of social media activists.
- Inflation: Protesting against rising electricity bills, petrol prices, and new taxes that are straining the poor.
Qaiser stated that the protest aims to unite various groups, including farmers, students, traders, and workers, to address these pressing issues. The decision to hold the protest on July 26 was made during an emergency meeting led by PTI Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai.