The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has announced its decision to hold a rally against alleged rigging in general elections on March 30, followed by a “big public rally” in Karachi on April 21.

“The Core Committee also approved holding a ceremony in Islamabad tomorrow (March 23) afternoon regarding Pakistan Day,” it said in a statement.

It merits here to mention that the former ruling party approached the Islamabad High Court earlier this week to seek permission for a public gathering in the federal capital later this month after no response from the district administration despite multiple attempts.

According to the official handout, the party would hold a “special press conference” in Islamabad on March 25 on the country’s economy, the new economic package from the International Monetary Fund and its impact on the people.

Pictures and a video from the party showed party Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Secretary General Omar Ayub, spokesperson Raoof Hasan, former Gilgit Baltistan chief minister Khalid Khurshid, and other members. Some of the members joined the meeting via video link.

Members also presented a detailed briefing on the court proceedings against former prime minister Imran Khan and the possibility of his acquittal.

The party described that the acquittal of the party’s founder in several cases would be a “breath of fresh air” and stressed the need for early decisions on merit on appeals against Imran Khan’s sentences from the judiciary.

It confirmed the gathering of Punjab Assembly members at the residence of senior central leader Sardar Latif Khan Khosa in preparation for the Senate elections on Saturday (tomorrow).

The committee also reviewed the content of the statement made by US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu before the Congressional Committee on Tuesday.

It described the statement of Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US Asad Majeed as “important” Lu’s testimony. The party reiterated its demand for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged vote rigging of the elections.