Imran no longer popular, lost Lahore by-election: Ayesha Gulalai

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ISLAMABAD: Disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNA Ayesha Gulalai said on Tuesday that PTI Chairman Imran Khan is no longer popular, which can be gauged from the fact that he lost the recent by-election in Lahore’s NA-120.

Gulalai was speaking to the media in Islamabad after appearing before the Election Commission of Pakistan where a reference against her defying party orders is being heard. The hearing was adjourned.  

Addressing the media, Gulalai said she is sympathetic towards PTI's NA-120 candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid as "she had to lose because of Imran Niazi".

“Imran is usurping the rights of women, I raised my voice and he sent a reference against me but the NAB cleared me of any wrongdoing,” said Gulalai.

She alleged that the PTI chairman had the support of a ‘certain land mafia’ in Lahore, which does not suffice for winning an election.

Imran and others have been using the money of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for personal uses, especially in the election campaign for NA-120 and sit-ins, she claimed.

“Did Imran not see anyone else than Sheikh Rasheed as a prime minister candidate,” said Gulalai, adding that currently the party does not have a single worker with a vision.

The PTI MNA said that Imran does not represent the middle class and he is supportive of feudal lords and corrupt people.

"The PTI has been hijacked by the likes of Firdous Ashiq Awan, Fawad Chaudhry, Aleem Khan and Babar Awan," she said.

“I will tell about the vision of people and how to respect institutions,” said Gulalai.

She further said that the PTI is still her party but unfortunately due to Imran the party has lost direction. Gulalai vowed to hold a rally soon, and said the party will kick out Imran as well. 

In a scathing criticism of the PTI chairman, she claimed that Imran is a drug addict, adding that a dope test should be necessary for politicians.

On August 1, in a press conference, Gulalai levelled serious allegations of sexual harassment against Imran along with allegations of marginalisation of women in the party and corruption. Later, a bi-partisan committee was ordered to be formed in the National Assembly to probe the allegations. Imran denied all charges. 

Later, Imran sent a notice to Gulalai stating that she has defected from the party in terms of Article 63 A (1) of the Constitution.

“In furtherance thereof and in compliance with the requirements of Article 63 A (2) of the Constitution, this declaration is being forwarded to you as well as the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Election Commissioner for further action in accordance with the Constitution,” states the notice.