Latif Khosa, Salman Akram Raja detained over protest against alleged rigging in elections

Lahore: The police apprehended Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Latif Khosa, Salman Akram Raja, and numerous activists during a rally organized by the party to protest alleged electoral malpractice in the recent general election.

The PTI leaders and supporters assembled at GPO Chowk Lahore, responding to the call of the party founder, to voice their opposition against the purported rigging in the polls.

Confirmation of the arrest of PTI's senior figure, Sardar Latif Khosa, came from his son Shahbaz Khosa. Khosa was taken into custody from Sadar Cantt roundabout, while Salman Akram Raja was detained near Icchra.

Reacting to the arrests, MPA Hafiz Farhat Abbas accused the Punjab government of orchestrating what he termed as 'hooliganism'.

Earlier in the day, KPK Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur urged the judiciary to take firm action against alleged electoral fraud.

Gandapur, representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asserted that his party faced pre-election rigging, citing stolen nomination papers and manipulated election results.

He called for the resignation of the chief election commissioner for failing to uphold the law. Gandapur has organized a peaceful protest against what he claims are rigged elections and a stolen mandate.

Gandapur did not acknowledge the victory of newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari, arguing that he wasn't elected by Form-45 voters. He declined to attend Zardari's oath-taking ceremony, denouncing it as a breach of constitutional norms to participate in the inauguration of a candidate elected through undemocratic means.

Citing concerns raised by international institutions, Gandapur emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in elections, hinting at the possibility of re-elections if these standards are not met.