On Saturday, PTI leaders launched a verbal assault on the ruling alliance, denouncing the election of PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to the presidency as “illegal.” Despite the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, describing the election as historic for its lack of vote buying and selling, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticized the process. He took a direct jab at Zardari, labeling him the “king of corrupt elements” and accusing him of being imposed on the country.

Asad Qaiser, another PTI leader, criticized the entire election process, deeming it controversial due to incomplete legislatures. He argued that the non-allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities to the SIC makes presidential elections illegal. Qaiser announced that the PTI is gearing up for a legal battle and will seek justice from the people. Barrister Ali Zafar raised questions about allowing individuals to vote when the issue of reserved seats was still under court scrutiny. PTI leaders asserted that the ruling coalition has a history of acquiring positions through questionable means, alleging that Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister by stealing elections.

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PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan accused those rejected by the people of obtaining positions illegitimately, emphasizing that occupying constitutional positions unconstitutionally violates the Constitution. The PTI expressed concern over the growing influence of the Sharif and Zardari families on the country’s resources and democratic institutions. Amir Dogar, a PTI leader, claimed that the ruling coalition stole the PTI’s mandate, labeling the elections as controversial. In response, a peaceful protest across the country was announced by the PTI spokesperson, aimed at reclaiming what they referred to as the ‘stolen mandate.’

Meanwhile, Zardari secured the presidency for the second time, dealing a blow to PTI-supported SIC nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Acknowledging PTI’s support, Achakzai appreciated the unique environment of the election, highlighting that for the first time, votes were not bought or sold. He expressed gratitude for the votes received in various assemblies and revealed instances of lawmakers defying party instructions to vote for him.

The political landscape in Pakistan remains tense as the PTI vows to challenge the election’s legitimacy through legal means and public protest. The contrasting narratives between the ruling alliance and the PTI highlight the deep divisions within the political spectrum, with allegations of electoral misconduct and power dynamics at the forefront of the discourse.;