As the results of today’s intensely contested by-elections in 20 constituencies for the Punjab Assembly by-elections start coming in, early indicators suggest a resounding victory for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The PTI is in the lead in at least 13 of the contested seats. PTI chief Imran Khan has declared victory and has said that the results strengthen his case for general elections at the earliest opportunity.
The only way forward from here is to hold fair & free elections under a credible ECP. Any other path will only lead to greater political uncertainty & further economic chaos.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 17, 2022
For her part, the PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the PML-N ought to accept the results with “an open heart.” According to her tweet, the results reflect the public’s verdict, and that in accepting them, her party must work to address its shortcomings.
مسلم لیگ ن کو کھلے دل سے نتائج تسلیم کرنا چاہییں۔ عوام کے فیصلے کے سامنے سر جھکانا چاہیے۔ سیاست میں ہار جیت ہوتی رہتی ہے۔ دل بڑا کرنا چاہیے۔ جہاں جہاں کمزوریاں ہیں، ان کی نشاندہی کر کے انھیں دور کرنے کے لیے محنت کرنی چاہیے۔ انشاءاللّہ خیر ہو گی۔
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 17, 2022
