Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has alleged that the PML-N can never win elections without rigging and malpractices and that it has lately introduced the trend of “hooliganism and bloodshed” in its politics. “The PML-N has largely been transformed into Punjab’s Muttahida Qaumi Movement,” he alleged at a press conference at PTI secretariat. Condemning the killing of two PTI workers — Khurram Shahzad and Arif — during campaigning for local government elections in Lahore, Mr Khan called for arrest of the killers “belonging to the PML-N” and warned that otherwise the PTI activists would lay siege to the office of the inspector-general of police. He also visited the houses of the two slain party workers and offered fateha for them. The PTI chief said free, fair and transparent local government elections were impossible in the presence of retired Justice Riaz Kiyani, the member of the Election Commission of Pakistan from Punjab. he trend of hooliganism, though, has always been a major characteristic of the Pakistani electoral system, and the PTI has itself carried on that tradition very well if one was to hark back to its D-Chowk dharnas. Did he not shout “Oye Nawaz Shareef, oye buzdil” multiple times from the top of his container? And did his crowd not roar in joy at such refrains? The PTI Chief also said that the PML-N has largely been transformed into Punjab’s Muttahida Qaumi Movement. One wonders about the wisdom of such remarks, where he is insulting not just the PML-N but also the MQM. Regardless, the death of two PTI workers is regrettable, and the PML-N stands accused. However, the language that is often used by the PTI for its opponents and their lack of diplomatic sense does not endear the PTI to anyone. The PTI may have found a very large niche of voters due to its anti-corruption mandate, but it is unlikely that this group has grown much in the last one year.
The party has a tough challenge in local body elections and can ill-afford any more losses. According to the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP), ballot papers have been printed and handed over to the province. All voters of Punjab can check their vote and polling station details by sending CNIC number on 8300. More than 20 million registered voters of 12 districts will use their right to vote for the local bodies elections in Punjab.
Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed that police and administration will ensure strict implementation of a security plan. Khan instead has called for deployment of the army and Rangers, lest the hooligans come out (and cheat Imran Khan’s party of its vote).
pk.shafaqna.com
