Tensions brewed within the political landscape as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriati (PTI-N) supremo Akhtar Iqbal Dar accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of submitting fake tickets.
Addressing a presser in Lahore, Akhtar Iqbal Dar expressed bewilderment at the emergence of PTI candidates allegedly fielding candidates under the banner of PTI-N.
He adamantly stated, "I do not know from where the PTI candidates got our tickets. PTI submitted our fake tickets; I myself issued tickets to PTI Nazriati candidates."
Accusing PTI of forgery, Dar highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting that candidates from one party cannot utilize the platform of another.
Read also: ECP issues strict orders on cross-party symbol requests
He called upon the Election Commission to thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action against any instances of electoral forgery.
"PTIN has its own manifesto, its own constitution; our slogan is the death penalty for corruption," declared Akhtar Iqbal Dar.
Responding to rumors circulating since midnight, Dar revealed that the distinguishing mark on their tickets is the unmistakable 'batsman' symbol.
He claimed that the Returning Officers (ROs) inquired about their tickets, and PTI-N clarified that their tickets bear the clear mark of the regular 'batsman,' a symbol consistent with their 2018 election tickets.
Displaying a PTI-N ticket to the media, Akhtar Iqbal Dar asserted, "This is our ticket. PTI has submitted our fake tickets. The ECP has issued a clear and blunt order that no candidate of any party can use the ticket of any other party."
Dar explained the genesis of PTI-N, stating, "In 2007, I felt the need to discourage rigging, hooliganism, money politics, electorate politics, and promote transparency. That's why PTI-N was formed, and I must be a part of PTI-N."
PTI 'Plan B' unveiled
Earlier today, PTI aunched its Plan 'B', introducing a staretegy by fielding candidates under the banner of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Nazriati (PTI-N).
This development comes as the party aims to ensure representation even if its primary ticket faces challenges.
جن افراد کے پاس ”تحریک انصاف نظریاتی “کے ٹکٹ ہیں وہ فوری طور پر جمع کروا دیں
— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 13, 2024
اور کسی قسم کی رکاوٹ پر شکایات الیکشن کمیشن اور ہائی کورٹ میں لے کر جائیں pic.twitter.com/TyCcLARHTI
Under Plan 'B', PTI has instructed candidates to submit tickets in the name of PTI-N alongside the standard party ticket. The party has adopted the party registered in the Election Commission as its covering entity for this innovative electoral tactic.