Imran Khan, independents discuss coalition plan

Islamabad: Imran Khan’s party said it has begun talks with independents and small parties to form a coalition government after a resounding triumph in Pakistan’s general election, as rival parties planned protests over alleged vote rigging.

However, an All Parties Conference (APC) hosted by Pakistan Muslim Lea-gue president Shehbaz Sharif on has decided not to take oath in the parliament after Wednesday’s controversial election.

Sources said that the proposal to not take oath was forwarded by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) chief Moulana Fazlur Rehman and Awami National Party (ANP) leader Asfandyar Wali Khan.

The JUI-F chief said that worst rigging of the history was seen in Wednesday’s general elections, adding that this was not public mandate, but the public mandate has been robbed.

“We won’t let anyone hijack democracy,” the JUI-F chief said and added “we will again run campaign for elections.”

The cleric said that they had struggled for democracy and would not let any pawn of the establishment to run the government.

Speaking on the occasion, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan said that the best way of boycott was that all leader of all political parties don’t take oath.

Pak Sar Zameen Party chairman Mustafa Kamal also supported the suggestion.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq said that they knew the results before elections were held, adding that “we should have sit together before the polls.”

Dr Farooq Sattar, while presenting the Mutta-hida Qaumi Movement stance said that Pakistan Tehrik-e-Jnsaf leader Jahangir Tareen had contacted them.

“We have been ditched in the past,” Farooq Sattar said but added they would support if all opposition parties reach consensus.