Pakistan: Election Commission Says Imran Khan’s Party Received Illegal Funds

    Image copyright: The Express Tribune

    The Facts

    • The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled on Tues. that ousted PM Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Party had illegally received funds from foreign individuals and companies.

    • Pakistani law forbids political parties from receiving donations from foreign entities. However, according to the ECP, irregular donations to the PTI from various foreign currencies totaled $5.1M, £792K and 215.7M, rupees respectively.


    The Spin

    Establishment-critical narrative

    Though the ECP has been exploited by the coalition government as a tool to attack Khan and the PTI, the party hasn't actually violated the rules. The PTI has proved that there was no "foreign funding," only expats donating to the party, and the legality of this money will soon become apparent. Unlike the other parties in Pakistan, the PTI doesn't hide it's internal activities from voters.

    Pro-establishment narrative

    The ECP panel has confirmed what the whole country already knew: that Imran Khan is the biggest thief in the country's history. He has only ever been committed to the agenda of the foreigners funding him, provoking economic and political turmoil in the country. He's a threat to Pakistan and must be held accountable.


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