Imran Khan Alleges Rigging in Sialkot By-Election, Calls It Part of “London Plan”

Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) patron-in-chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has alleged that blatant rigging took place in the Sialkot (Sambarial) by-election because the ruling coalition had suffered a clear defeat. Speaking to his family and lawyers at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Imran Khan claimed that all democratic, legal, and electoral avenues for justice have been blocked for him and his party.
He stated, “They faced a decisive loss in the Sambarial election. Had they accepted defeat there, they would’ve had to accept defeat in the general elections on February 8. That’s why they resorted to open rigging.” He accused Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja of holding office unconstitutionally, suggesting he remains in position to ensure control over future elections.
Imran Khan further alleged that the courts are biased and controlled, saying, “They know there are many Qazi Faez Isa-like judges in the judiciary.” He reiterated that the PTI is being deliberately sidelined through a pre-planned strategy, referring to it as the “London Plan.” According to him, the events of May 9 were orchestrated as part of this plan to crush him and his party.
He also criticized the recent constitutional amendment (26th Amendment), claiming it was introduced after isolating institutions for three weeks, and that it led to the creation of more biased judges.
“Whenever the pressure mounts, they send people offering me deals, demanding that I remain silent,” Khan said.
Meanwhile, speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan shared that the PTI founder denied meeting any medical delegation, except for one meeting with Tanveer Ahmed. “He told us Tanveer came once and then again, but he refused to meet the second time. Tanveer pleaded with him, saying he was going for Umrah, but even then, Imran Khan refused. During their meeting, Tanveer had demanded an apology over May 9, but Imran said such people don’t come to him anymore.”
Imran Khan maintains that the government’s actions are aimed at silencing his voice and removing PTI from the political landscape without fair process.