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Imran Khan expresses fears on poll rigging in Pak
Dubai, Oct 10: Expressing fears on the transparency of general elections being held in Pakistan today, cricketer- turned politician Imran Khan said ballots could be rigged even though the damage has already been done in pre-poll rigging.
Dubai, Oct 10: Expressing fears on the transparency
of general elections being held in Pakistan today, cricketer-
turned politician Imran Khan said ballots could be rigged even
though the damage has already been done in pre-poll rigging.
"There could be ballot rigging, but the damage is already done in prepoll rigging. However, I am a firm believer in the power of vote and I am convinced that the people can foil all the government's efforts" Khan said in an interview to daily "Gulf News" published today. "Seeing the scale of mischief, which the government officials have done before the polling day, I expect anything," said khan, whose party Pakistan Tehrek-Insaf drew a blank in 1997 general elections.
On allegations of being the "president's man", he said he had backed "Musharraf for getting rid of corrupt leaders like Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto". "I have supported him for his agenda. One more reason was that he got rid of corrupt leaders like Benazir and Nawaz Sharif. However, when he deviated from his own agenda, I withdrew my support," he said.
Expressing the hope that his party would open an account in the elections this time, Imran Khan said "I got into politics to serve my social agenda and I realised that it was not possible without coming to power." He, however, denied rumors that his British-born wife Jemima Khan would ever contest elections. "Participating in an election campaign is different, but she will not contest elections of any sort," he said.
Bureau Report
"There could be ballot rigging, but the damage is already done in prepoll rigging. However, I am a firm believer in the power of vote and I am convinced that the people can foil all the government's efforts" Khan said in an interview to daily "Gulf News" published today. "Seeing the scale of mischief, which the government officials have done before the polling day, I expect anything," said khan, whose party Pakistan Tehrek-Insaf drew a blank in 1997 general elections.
On allegations of being the "president's man", he said he had backed "Musharraf for getting rid of corrupt leaders like Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto". "I have supported him for his agenda. One more reason was that he got rid of corrupt leaders like Benazir and Nawaz Sharif. However, when he deviated from his own agenda, I withdrew my support," he said.
Expressing the hope that his party would open an account in the elections this time, Imran Khan said "I got into politics to serve my social agenda and I realised that it was not possible without coming to power." He, however, denied rumors that his British-born wife Jemima Khan would ever contest elections. "Participating in an election campaign is different, but she will not contest elections of any sort," he said.
Bureau Report