The Election Commission responded with detachment to Tehreek-e-Insaf’s complaint about their chairman, Zameer, being incarcerated, citing various legal cases including a cipher case as the reason. The Commission firmly stated its lack of involvement in the matter.
Addressing Tehreek-e-Insaf’s 24-point charter of demands, the Election Commission reiterated its stance of non-interference, even in instances where the party claimed targeted limitations and coerced actions like forced interviews and departure of their leaders. The Commission emphasized its exclusive role in conducting elections and disclaimed responsibility for political leaders’ affiliation or disaffiliation.
Contrary to PTI’s claim of Imran Khan’s imprisonment as a ‘prisoner of conscience’, the Election Commission clarified Khan’s incarceration due to multiple alleged cases, including the cipher case. This response came after PTI’s Secretary General, Umar Ayub Khan, submitted the demands in a letter on November 6, to which the Election Commission replied on November 22, providing comments on each demand.
The PTI’s assertion of being targeted and facing coercion, including disappearance of leaders, elicited a repeated response from the Election Commission, reiterating its non-engagement in such matters and emphasizing its mandate limited to conducting elections rather than intervening in party affairs. The Commission acknowledged instructions issued to caretaker governments for ensuring a neutral election environment but deemed them insufficient.
Additionally, when PTI highlighted disparities in security provision for different political rallies, the Election Commission stated its intent to ensure equal opportunities for all parties in organizing public gatherings. Addressing concerns about an absconding prisoner being allowed unusual protocol and rallies without directly naming Nawaz Sharif, the Election Commission assured a review of the matter within the context of ‘one country, two systems’.
