Cast your vote to empower judiciary, Imran Khan advises NA-120 voters

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan said that the NA-120 by-election will decide Pakistan's future while addressing a rally in Qurtaba Chowk on Friday. 

"On September 17, you have to show that you stand with the judiciary. Exercise your right to vote in favour of the law," said Imran and added that the people's vote will empower the judges.

“Give it some thought before you vote in favour of Nawaz Sharif. Voting for him will mean that you have given the dacoits a free pass to do whatever they want. Remember that you have to vote against the dacoits." 

"If you want to vote for the biggest dacoit then all the imprisoned petty criminals should also be released," he added. 

He further said, "This is the time to change our path and bring about change."

PTI held a massive show of power ahead of NA-120 by-poll in Lahore, where PTI's Yasmin Rashid will go head-to-head with PML-N's Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Imran also said that he is baffled at the amount looted by the Sharif family. “I played cricket in Britain for 13 years after which I was able to afford a flat there,” he pointed out. 

We should ask PML-N leaders what business were Nawaz’s children doing that they became billionaires at such a young age, he said. 

Speaking about positive changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under PTI's government, Imran Khan remarked: “We reduced poverty by five per cent, we planted a billion trees, we improved public hospitals, we helped the needy, we formulated policies for the nation.”

Taking a jibe at his political opponents, Imran said that the only change Shehbaz Sharif has brought about is a change in the provincial police uniform. 

"We live in a country where the powerful are never held accountable. The powerful can get away with anything," he said, adding that people have to come together against this injustice. 

"Hopefully, Yasmin Rashid will prove to be victorious in this by-election," he added. 

Addressing the gathering before the party chairman, PTI's Yasmin Rashid said that as a result of Imran Khan’s struggle, we saw the day when rule of law prevailed. 

She added that for the first time in the country’s history, powerful politicians were brought before the court and held accountable for their actions. 

"We struggled a lot but our efforts bore fruit when the former prime minister was disqualified," she remarked. 

“Nawaz Sharif should be embarrassed. This constituency voted for him thrice but he did nothing for the people here.”

Criticising PML-N leaders, she said, “You should go and talk to people [in the constituency]. Only then you will realise what these people want.”

The NA-120 by-poll is not against any one person, rather it is against the Punjab government, she claimed, alleging that their rivals are engaging in efforts to rig the voting process. 

Addressing the rally, PTI leader and musician Abrar-ul-Haq shared ‘good news’ with party workers and claimed that a new research on NA-120 reveals that about 80 per cent voters of NA-120 favour PTI while 20pc favour PML-N.  

"Imran Khan is the only leader who will not succumb to international or any other kind of pressure," he said, adding that Imran just wants the betterment of his country. 

NA-120 is a contest of ideologies: Imran Khan

Speaking earlier today, Imran said that NA-120 by-poll is not just another election. “The by-poll is a contest between ideologies.”

Nawaz Sharif has no money trail, Imran pointed out, adding that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is trying to depict that the nation is against Nawaz’s disqualification.

Earlier in the day, Imran had met members of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Pakistan (MWM), which has expressed its support for PTI in the NA-120 by-poll. “I am thankful to MWM for their support,” Imran added. 

Security measures 

To ensure security during the rally, SP Security Ibadat Nasir informed that about 2,000 police officers have been deployed in the area. Moreover, walk-through gates have also been installed. 

About 19 inspectors including 250 traffic wardens have been deployed to ensure smooth flow of traffic.  

The party's decision to hold the rally at Qurtaba Chowk, Jail Road, despite the district government's advice not to, created traffic problems for commuters.

On Thursday, the deputy commissioner (DC) recommended the party leaders to hold their political gathering at an alternative venue than Jail Road.

The district administration said they would not give permission to block a main road of the city for an entire day, adding that they will give their full cooperation if the party decides to hold their gathering at any other venue.

Meanwhile, the PTI leadership reiterated that the party will hold its rally for the NA-120 by-election campaign at Jail Road, adding that the district administration should ensure appropriate security at the venue.

NA-120 by-poll

The NA-120 seat fell vacant after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as prime minister as a result of the Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers case on July 28. 

A tough contest is expected between the PTI candidate Yasmin Rashid and Nawaz's wife and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s Kulsoom Nawaz on September 17. 

In light of the former first lady's ongoing medical treatment in London, her daughter Maryam is spearheading the campaign in the constituency. 

Meanwhile, the printing of ballot papers for the NA-120 by-election is under way. The process is being monitored by the army. 

The ECP said a total of 350,000 ballot papers are being printed for the by-poll, where 324,786 voters are registered to cast their vote. 

Moreover, the army will be responsible for the storage and distribution of ballot papers to the polling stations.