PM announces Rs2.5bn development package for Lodhran, PTI cries foul
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LODHRAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Punjab's Lodhran district on Friday to distribute cheques among farmers as a part of Kissan package and also announced a Rs2.5 billion development package for the district.
The PM's visit to the district comes as the Election Commission of Pakistan announces the schedule for by-polls in Lodhran's NA-154 constituency.
Speaking after the cheque distribution ceremony, the premier said that his government acknowledges the hardships a farmer goes through to produce food and exportable crops for the country and for that reason had announced the historic Rs341bn relief package for the community.
"But you all know who tried to stop government from speedy implementation of this historic package and still claims to represent the poor people of country," the PM told farmers.
The PM also announced a special Rs2.5billion development package for Lodhran and said that the way people of the area have expressed their love for PML-N by voting for the party again and again, the party too will pay back in the same way.
He said that the scheme for affordable and cost effective 'solar tube well' has been approved.
Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed accompanied him during the visit.
The Kisan package, announced in September, is aimed at providing cash support of Rs5,000 with immediate effect to the growers of cotton and rice as a direct relief. The amount will be disbursed among the farmers owning a maximum of 12.5 acres of land.
Interest-free loans for farmers with 12 acres or less to install solar tubewells or convert the existing ones into solar. Mark-up on the loans will be paid by the federal government.
The government pledges to provide relaxation in turnover tax to rice millers as compensation during 2015-16 to minimise their losses. Similarly, there would be a tax holiday on income tax for the cold chain industry trading in agricultural products, fruits, vegetables and fish.
Related: PM unveils Rs341bn package for farmers
Motorway for Sialkot
The PM flew straight to Sialkot from Lodhran and also distributed cheques among the farmers. He also announced to build a motorway in the city.
"We have always served you and this time we are giving you a gift in the form of motorway, this road will be built between Hasan Abdal, Havelian and Mansehra till China border," announced Nawaz.
Nawaz said that Sialkot contributes about $2bn to the national exchequer and its time to pay the city back.
The PM said that the several energy products are under construction and the government will bring thousands of megawatt electricity into the system by 2017.
"We are working towards reducing the cost of energy so that the farmers and industrialists can reap maximum benefits from their produce," claimed Nawaz.
In an apparent jab at rival PTI, he said that it is we, who are making a 'Naya Pakistan'.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif too addressed the crowd and said that PML-N will continue its hardwork to bring back country on the path of development.
Also Read: Resolving energy crisis by 2018 top priority, says Nawaz
PTI leader writes to CEC against PM's Lodhran visit
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Khan Tareen wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner to stop Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from visiting Lodhran ahead of NA-154 by-elections.
Tareen, in the letter maintained that PM's visit is a violation of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) code of conduct as the PM will announce a Rs 10 billion special development package for the district.
The PTI leader urged the CEC to take immediate notice of this attempt of 'pre-poll rigging'.
"You will agree that this is a blatant case of pre-poll rigging. The development package is meant only and only to influence the by-election in favour of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz candidate," the letter states.
The PTI leader also expressed astonishment over ECP's delay in announcing the schedule for by-polls days after the SC verdict calling for re-polling in the constituency.
Related: PTI’s poor show in Tareen’s constituency
An election tribunal in August had annulled the results of 2013 general election in NA-154, disqualifying PML-N's Siddique Baloch for possessing fake academic credentials.
The PML-N lawmaker who contested the 2013 poll as an independent candidate and later joined the PML-N, was deseated when the tribunal set aside his election on a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's central organiser Jahangir Khan Tareen.
Siddique Khan Baloch had approached the Supreme Court against the decision of the election tribunal that declared his election on the constituency void and him 'ineligible' to contest elections due to his fake educational degree.
SC in its final verdict on October 28 had ordered re-polling in NA-154 constituency (Lodhran) while suspending the tribunal verdict of declaring Pakistan Baloch 'ineligible' to contest elections.
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Comments (145) Closed
Nov 06, 2015 01:33pm
PMLN is simply buying votes outright.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:35pm
PTI please stop crying. People are sick of it.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:36pm
PML-N leadership: for the people, by the people and among the people.
Thumbs Up my fellow citizens, you deserve them.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:38pm
ECP is like NAB. Burden on tax payers' money. Cant enforce laws.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:40pm
This is called politics. Imran Khan has to learn politics. PM securing his seat for the next general elections.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:41pm
Yes it is a prepoll rigging by any definition
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Nov 06, 2015 01:42pm
May Pakistan "enjoy" the leadership of His royal highness Mian Nawaz Shareef, Mian Shahbaz Shareef, Mian Hamza Shareef, Mian Salman Shareef, Mian xyz Shareef, their driver Shareef, Their bawarchi Shareef, their Maali Shareef. Pakistan should also be renamed as Pakistan Shareef.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:44pm
It is an open pre-poll rigging.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:45pm
Oh common this is open prepoll rigging. The election commision won't take notice because everyone knows why. PTI should approach COAS General Raheel Sharif. The only institution that has accountability and integrity. In addition General Raheel Sharif is a great man.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:48pm
Sharifs dont care about any code of conduct, they need to win elections at any cost pre or post rigging because its ego! not democracy!
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Nov 06, 2015 01:49pm
@Malveros so you believe its correct to use tax payers money to buy votes?
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Nov 06, 2015 01:51pm
@haris PML-N leadership: for the cronies, by the crooks and among the relatives.
Thumbs Up PMLN followers, you deserve them.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:51pm
JT is right but what about PTI government announcing same packages and IK frequent visits before local body elections in KPK?
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Nov 06, 2015 01:52pm
This proves that Muslim League N are habitual violator of law and believe in politics of corruption and nepotism.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:54pm
I think we should pray our MNAs also get disqualified so that we can get such packages as well.
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Nov 06, 2015 01:59pm
Poor people will fall into the trap, like always...
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Nov 06, 2015 02:05pm
What a shame of national proportion. I guess Chief Election Commissioner is too busy defending the status quo and saving his seat than to take action against such corruption practices of sitting government.
IK is right that PML N knows how to buy the system.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:06pm
People wake up. This IS pre-poll rigging. I don't support PTI, but you have to see this?! This reminds me of a cartoon I saw the other day: Before election leaders were inviting people to vote up on stage, once the election were of they were kicked out. Come on! Before elections they announce all these packages, then we don't even see who is the person working on the ground for 5 years.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:06pm
So it means people get PM attention only when they need their votes. They will never build a system where people get development budget through a system and not through a PM as bribery
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Nov 06, 2015 02:07pm
Elections or no elections; development must continue.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:14pm
PTI should be happy that the government is giving some relief to ordinary people even though, in PTIs opinion, it is pre-poll rigging. As I remember IK has said so many times he doesn't want to be a PM but wants to end the sufferings of the common people.
So here is the time to prove mr IK. Make this (potential loss of the NA seat) as PTIs success instead of crying over it. it is win win for every one.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:15pm
Is it a coincidence that the son in law of Sardar Raza Khan (CEC) has recently been appointed trade representative in Geneva, Switzerland?
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Nov 06, 2015 02:16pm
Instead of being happy that development is taking place PTI is crying foul again. I wish they would continue the work in their region instead of always bad mouthing others.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:18pm
No, doubt pak as a nation deserves these !!!
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Nov 06, 2015 02:18pm
I will be happy to see all implemented what has been annouced. I am a Pakistani and support Pakistan.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:20pm
Why is it that whenever there are some elections, PML(N) wakes up for the right of the people there.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:21pm
Why NS and N league in Lodhran at the time of elections.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:22pm
Every development is foul-play if not under PTI.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:23pm
@Malveros do you have 12.5 acres or less land ? please apply asap
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Nov 06, 2015 02:23pm
@rana : PTI is also trying the same by negative tactics.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:25pm
Every opposition talks foul against ruling government in its dram that barricading every development would make them stronger in next polls.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:29pm
@Ayaz khan some people like u really dont understand ... IK is not holding any govt position so he can go for election campaign
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Nov 06, 2015 02:29pm
election schedule has not been announced so far,thats why there is nothing wrong in visiting lodhran by PM or CM.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:31pm
@naeem nice one... well its open secret that CEC is also proving to be one of the cornies of NS govt.. thsi country will never develop unless these people are brought to justice ..
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Nov 06, 2015 02:32pm
@S A Khokhar - Good comment. People deserve what they choose!
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Nov 06, 2015 02:34pm
Clear pre-poll rigging. Blatant violations of election rules and regulations but nobody will take any action. There is absolutely no rule of law in this country. No wonder people support IK when he says nobody is made accountable in this country despite doing every wrong in the book.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:35pm
Rigging at its worst. Lodhran should thank PTI. Nawaz Sharif didn't even know town called Lodhran existed.He could not read and remember his speech.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:36pm
Nawaz Sharif (PM) once again influencing people to give him votes.
What other further evidences we Pakistanies need to know that our PM's objective is to secure his seat and his party election winnings, and long term prosperity of the country is always no to him.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:37pm
@Raja Idrees Its not politics but plain rigging!
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Nov 06, 2015 02:38pm
@Malveros
Time will prove you wrong!
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Nov 06, 2015 02:38pm
PML-N is champion of pre-poll rigging. The whole sensible Pakistani knows it and sees it.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:40pm
Well done Mr PM...People are with you...Awesome politics...
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Nov 06, 2015 02:43pm
@Rehan that so called development could have been done in last 2 and half years or it can wait for 3 months!
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Nov 06, 2015 02:45pm
@Raja Idrees : "This is called politics. Imran Khan has to learn politics. PM securing his seat for the next general elections."
Fooling someone who is already fooled is not politics. It's not sensible either.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:47pm
PTI is running short of time. If they want to get rid of Nawaz or their lying habit, they need to do it during next year. If they won't be able to do either, PMLN is gonna tear IK apart starting 2017.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:49pm
Influencing the voters.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:49pm
It is a blatant disregard to the rights of people by objecting on whatever reason against Government trying to do some uplift works for people. If Tareen has done his homework well, he should not be worried. People would eat the cake from the Government and still vote for Tareen's party.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:49pm
@Rehan You are right... PTI should stop crying out fouls. Why they interfere in lives when we (Pakistanis) already decided to be deceived by the political elite.
One question: Did PM Nawaz ever visited Lodhran before? I am sure he never heard of this district before 2013 elections
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Nov 06, 2015 02:51pm
@sheryaar " this country will never develop unless these people are brought to justice"
correction: This country will never develop unless our people kept on getting fooled again and again.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:52pm
Don't know why everyone is shouting here?????
ECP hasn't announced schedule for by-election yet, as noted by Mr. Tareen in his letter. So ECP can't stop ANYONE from visiting that city. Plus Lodhran isn't a small place and it has few constituencies in it.
It is master stoke by N league, one has to admire, given the nature of politics and PTI are sour losers once again
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Nov 06, 2015 02:53pm
PTI and crying are becoming synonyms. In future news heading will say "Some development happened, and crying people - cried."
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Nov 06, 2015 02:55pm
@Malveros I think they are just pointing out the wrongs! If you'd know how democracy works - this is the job of the opposition!
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Nov 06, 2015 02:57pm
Now please distribe cheques to earthquake victims also and build them homes. It is government job.
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Nov 06, 2015 02:59pm
Pti should not take part in these elections.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:01pm
day light bribe to Lodhran people ... only punjab league can do this by trampling all sorts of political morals. no hope for PTI in coming elections to win any by elections.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:09pm
We (Pakistanis) will always be entangled in PML-N, PTI and PPP
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Nov 06, 2015 03:11pm
Pre poll rigging no doubt ..!!
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Nov 06, 2015 03:13pm
I have an idea...
why not have by-elections in several other underdeveloped regions!
This is when most of the 'development' happens :)
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Nov 06, 2015 03:13pm
Pre-poll rigging it may well be, and it may violate all sorts of Election Commission rules.
But at the end of the day, a poor farmer has mouths to feed.
Does PTI really think the farmer is going to vote for them - when they are effectively 'taking food out of his childrens mouth' by agitating on this issue.
Pakistan is not a developed country - and fighting such battles in Pakistan is pointless for PTI.
PTI are trying to impose a Western style political attitude in Pakistan. Whilst that may well be extremely commendable, the PTI have gotten their priorities totally wrong.
Just for a brief moment imagine if you are a poor farmer, with young children, a wife, and elderly parents living in a shanty in a village, and all of you are starving.
What would you want? Food on the table or democracy?
This is the bit that PTI seem to have totally failed to grasp by looks of things.
From an intellectual viewpoint, you can't argue with PTI, but they need to focus on pressing needs first.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:17pm
Polls have not even been announced. How is it rigging.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:19pm
@sheryaar dear use ur mind. IK is not holding any official position and still running the whole kpk. what does it mean?
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Nov 06, 2015 03:19pm
@rana
Why can't NS be fair? He blatantly does this every time ahead of any election / by-election.
The answer is that he knows he can't win without resorting to such questionable tactics.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:21pm
@M.Saeed
Did you ever hear that two wrongs don't make a right?
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Nov 06, 2015 03:23pm
@khara aur karwa such : But, two right turns make a U-turn!
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Nov 06, 2015 03:25pm
Pakistani can be bought for peanuts and this show exactly who we are.
Specially Punjab electorate are available on sale for bulk buys. Just need to prove them right amount.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:28pm
Does any one still doubt the election commission is in PMLN pocket?
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Nov 06, 2015 03:31pm
Pakistan politics is only done by power and money. They won't leave us because they can buy votes. The other issue is the poverty and illiteracy. God knows when we will choose wisely.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:35pm
@Zahra : You must realize that, the ignoble Dharna had wasted 126 days of legal tenure of this "Democratic Governemnt" and in its aftermath, PTI is hell-bent upon wasting the whole tenure thinking it would win and make Governemnt in 2018. What is its proof that even if it wins, PML(N) would not do the same "Dharna - Circus" with added vengeance? Do we common people only live to see their monkey-business and no development?
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Nov 06, 2015 03:36pm
All the cry babies of pti .its not pre poll righing.its helping the farmers whose packages were stopped because of pti.its time to help farmers out of probz.oooh sorry.i didnt consider that most commentinge here are sitting in clifton and model town who have no idea about the problems a farmer is facing.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:36pm
PTI complained only about timing and Court agreed and restored after process of election completed. Now PM misquoting in every gathering and blaming PTI for stopping the package.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:42pm
@Tanweer Khan - So you're justifying defying rules and still claim to be an intellectual. Irony isn't it? Why make election rules when nobody wants to follow it? Only in a monarchy such actions can be justified not in democracy.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:44pm
@haris .well he is doing that in KpK so he is very much a politician but a useless and failed one.because he is good at nothing.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:45pm
Open pre-poll rigging. ECP and NS both forcing IK and PTI to start agitation on streets.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:48pm
ECP members have any conscience?
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Nov 06, 2015 03:48pm
@sheryaar for the level playing ground, should not NS and SS be also allowed to go to the constituency of by election but should not be allowed to announce any development package.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:48pm
Simple and clear case of buying votes by PMLN. This is democracy PMLN style.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:50pm
@S A Khokhar Very well said. PMLN buying votes to win at any cost.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:52pm
What a joke. ECP has apparently delayed announcing Lodhran polling schedule to give chance to the PM for announcing the Lodhran development package - clear case of pre-poll rigging.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:56pm
PTI already has lost in NA 154 by winning only in 4 UCs, while PMLN won on 24 seats. So the matter is already decided. PTI has nothing to do but cry foul and complain. Perhaps that is their destiny.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:56pm
Our leaders are small people, especially the incumbent government.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:56pm
@naeem Cograts to Chief Election Commissioner on appointment of his son-in-law as trade rep in Geneva - good investment by PMLN for reaping benefits.
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Nov 06, 2015 03:58pm
This is typical of PMLN tactics, where ever there is election our great pm will unleash project announcements to buy votes, where is election commission ? ......
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Nov 06, 2015 04:01pm
How can we end this nonsense, its really unfair that PMLN is allowed to do anything to win ..... its shameful....
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Nov 06, 2015 04:04pm
I am 100% sure these are mere announcements to win the seat & nothing will be done for the poor of that area.....
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Nov 06, 2015 04:09pm
this step even further vindicates PTI's stance about corruption of ECP and mssive rigging by PMLN in 2013 elections. they are not willing to let go any seat in by elections. those people who are very happy today over N-league's victory in Punjab, will find themselves in a tangle without any escape route. PMLN is screwing bolt on all four corners of Punjab with the hope they never lose it again. but this cannot bring them a victory in 2016 ELECTIONS.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:17pm
@SAIF: What rubbish. Don't you know that these people wont actually get anything!!! There are so many instances of the cheques bouncing, the very same cheques given at these kind of ceremonies
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Nov 06, 2015 04:18pm
Thats totally wrong to announce the package right before election. It is violation of ethics (but PMLN have no ethics any way), violation of election rules and law
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Nov 06, 2015 04:22pm
PTI always 'cries'
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Nov 06, 2015 04:26pm
@SAIF
Do you know meaning of word bribe? do you consider it a crime?
In your words if any one gives bribe that should be considered relief to the poor? those who give jobs by taking bribes .. releasing criminals by giving false evidence after taking money .. and every single crime that involves bribe be it a gift or money must be celebrated as some one is getting a relief even if the deserving ones are getting robbed of their rights?
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Nov 06, 2015 04:27pm
This PML-N has high jacked all institutions, using tax payers money to buy votes. Unfortunately there is no such thing as free and fair election left in our country.
Whether someone likes it or not the only way to rescue Pakistan from this corrupt to the core and incompetent democracy is a Military take over. Luckily we have a great leader COAS Genral Raheel Sharif. The entire country loves him.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:31pm
Take IMF loan, increase electricity prices, GST on diesel and use money to run your election compaign. What a modus operandi
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Nov 06, 2015 04:35pm
@Tanweer Khan
What would you want? Food on the table or democracy?
That depends what do you consider best .. a fish for the day or knowing how to catch a fish?
I'm not a political person but our naive people are hoping to bring democracy by voting those leaders who are dictators in their own political parties. You cannot expect to have true democracy that serves the society unless you remove these self serving hypocrites and their next of kin.
People who consider this package a relief are taking bribe as blessing and forgetting PM should lead the whole country not a constituency where re-election is taking place. When was the last time he announced any package for Quetta, Peshawar and other cities outside Punjab? or Is he only PM of Punjab because they are the ones after all who will always bring them in power.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:36pm
We need to educate people to see beyond these stunts.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:36pm
PTI motto - "Don't work and never let others to do work in progress". Whats the use of this crying evening seeing that PTI lost badly in Lodhran LG Polls.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:39pm
Can the PML-N educated supports of which there are very few find us a thriving democracy that works in this way.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:42pm
What PTI has given to country till now except embarrassment - nothing just hollow slogans and dhandli etc etc. So let others do work, this is PML-N turn let them do some work, by the way try to do some work in KPK no body is creating hurdles in your way.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:44pm
@Raja Idrees you obviously don't understand politics and sound just like my relatives in Pakistan who say the same thing to me. I always point out that I have lived my a whole life in a successful western democracy and studied politics and followed the policy's of all major democracies. The truth is we understand politics but people like you and PML-N don't.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:50pm
Just two years ago, PPPP was accused of spending development funds on Multan, Nawbshah and Larkana only. Now, the PML(N) is treading the same beaten path. Imran Khan is right when he blames both PML (N) and PPPP are two sides of the same coin simply a forged coin.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:53pm
y ns had not came in by election na-108 n gives deveopling funds???government continueously ignoring gujrat area from the last 8 yaers.so sad!!!!chohwdhries did alot but after that a dark night starts,wil hope end soon.
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Nov 06, 2015 04:55pm
@Dilectus My friend - sadly you have missed my point entirely.
What I am saying is that if you and I, and others commenting on here (so called intellectuals) sit down and decipher the actual argument put forward by PTI - without any bias in favour or against any political party, then PTI is 100% correct.
However, and it is a big HOWEVER, the average farmer is not an intellectual, he is struggling big time, his parents need medicine that he can't afford, his children are dying of malnutrition, his wife is getting up at the crack of dawn and 'slaves' away all day with chores.
So if a person comes along and illegally and blatantly bribes you with money for your vote - you may accept that as it will alleviate your suffering at this present moment.
Whilst I was born and grew up in the UK, my family come from a poor village in Punjab - and I can tell you from personal experience how these individuals are struggling for their next meal - so democracy is not their number 1 priority.
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Nov 06, 2015 05:00pm
@Proud Pakistani im sure you dnt have the iota of idea that in haripur where pmln (infact Babar Nawaz) won NA19 bye elections, In local body elections out of 37 seats PMLN won NONE & PTI won 35 seats out of 37... only factor that will be missing in Lodhran will be fairness / transparency if PMLN supporters have any idea of fairness...
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Nov 06, 2015 05:06pm
@Khan You make a very good argument.
However, food on the table versus democracy is not comparable with fish for the day or leaning to catch a fish.
In your example, you would end up today with a fish - and in fact you would get yourself a fish everyday.
In my example, you would go hungry - and that is a big big difference.
The basic NECESSITIES of a man (not his wish list) are FOOD, CLOTHING and SHELTER.
You and I and everyone commenting on here has those things - and also access to a luxury item like a computer/smartphone - hence why we can talk about Democracy.
My point is how can you sell the vision of DEMOCRACY to someone that doesn't even have the basics.
PML-N are bribing these people for short-term gain, but PTI are not doing anything?
What would you do if your child was about to die from hunger - or your parent was about to die because he can't get anti-biotics to cure his infection?
And by the way, I don't support any party - just asking people to see the reality.
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Nov 06, 2015 05:20pm
PMLN and PPP have damaged Pakistan far beyond any dictator ...
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Nov 06, 2015 05:39pm
That's great news! I wanted to have a motorway to Sialkot for a long long time! It's my birthplace! Thank you Mr Prime Minister for making us happy in Sialkot!
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Nov 06, 2015 05:40pm
I'm Nawaz Sharif supporter but it is totally unfair. Election commission must take strict action against him.
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Nov 06, 2015 05:42pm
Last time when PM announced an economic package before a by-election, I thought it was coincident. Now I feel it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the economic package is to influence the outcome of the by-election in Lodhran. It is sad that Pakistani leaders cannot act as honest brokers of peoples trust.
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Nov 06, 2015 05:43pm
@Malveros, you really believe that economic package announced is NOT to influence the election outcome?
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Nov 06, 2015 05:44pm
@Raja Idrees, No, it is called the betrayal of people's trust.
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Nov 06, 2015 05:49pm
This is cheating and must be stopped by election commission.
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Nov 06, 2015 05:58pm
These are the tactics of foul play by PML-N. If you don't call it rigging, what else will you call it? Shame
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Nov 06, 2015 06:02pm
Removed people with computers in Election Commission Of Pakistan because computers are not corrupt and they won't be influenced by anyone. ECP staff should not be hired by government. They should be elected by Referendum of people.
Make voting system computerized that checks the fingerprint in Nadra's database before a person can cast the vote. This system will also work for oversees Pakistanis if they want to participate in election from other countries over the internet. In this voting system, give rights to people to check their vote after the election is complete. This will make sure their vote was not stolen.
This is 2015. Above suggestions are easily doable.
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Nov 06, 2015 06:13pm
It is ironic that PML relief packages come right before elections. Before and after they are non existent. Farmers should take the money and still not vote for PML.
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Nov 06, 2015 06:34pm
so, pmln and pm now performing day light rigging in front of everyone. making mockery of ecp, courts, voters in one go.
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Nov 06, 2015 06:52pm
@Raja Idrees This is not politics this is clear corruption. It is due to people like you who do not stand up to corrupt practices of our rulers that we as a country has slipped below even Bangladesh. Please wake up at least for your future generations and save your motherland
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Nov 06, 2015 06:54pm
This is open rigging! You cant simply criticise PTI for pointing this out. Why to start with Lodhran? PM will follow the schedule of local bodies elections for other parts of Punjab to do the same...
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Nov 06, 2015 07:03pm
I am surprised about this non-functional Election Commission of Pakistan,, are you sleeping? I can give you one example of Indian Election Commissioner, Indira Gandhi went to address a rally as PM of Indian, in a Helicopter, she was forced to return from the Helipad, and she made payment on expenses occurred on Helicopter (which was Government's property).
ECP is just making his hairs, white, black and brown, nothing else.
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Nov 06, 2015 07:22pm
This can be a case study for pre poll rigging. Moreover, what's the purpose of distributing Rs5k amongst the farmers? Sharifs' minds work like this only i suppose....laptops, sasta aata, metro and now 5k per farmer!
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Nov 06, 2015 07:24pm
@S A Khokhar development happens at its own pace, because Imran Khan and PTI can't digest losing the general elections doesn't mean that the nation should stop being
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Nov 06, 2015 07:26pm
@iffi - it's means pti did rigging in LB polls in huripur. Hence pti and Imran are the currupts.
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Nov 06, 2015 07:32pm
PML-N is all about NAB, NADRA and ECP.
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Nov 06, 2015 08:41pm
there are elections going on all the times that means no development work at all also PTI announces univercity during the Haripur elections, is that not the reason to have the elections so that people vote to the party that do projects for the betterment of people
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Nov 06, 2015 09:29pm
No wonder country going backward, it's a bad governance , it all should have been in budget & planning.
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Nov 06, 2015 09:29pm
Oh, No. When will our rulers stop violating rules ? As if rare only for others. And why does ECP not spring into action on its own? Why wait for petitions / complaints ??
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Nov 06, 2015 10:02pm
NS plays games. He wants to increase the number of votes, by announcing mega million projects, in the 4 voting areas where Imran Khan is being proved right. Bad Loans based, not revenue based economy, what he has converted Pakistan into.
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Nov 06, 2015 10:07pm
Country's development cannot be made hostage of bi-elections. Jahangir sees his demise in bi-election.
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Nov 06, 2015 10:13pm
@khara aur karwa such
Sure, NS is a winner and PML-N will win for many elections to come. IK cannot compete with NS's luck not today and not tomorrow.
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Nov 06, 2015 10:30pm
We as Pakistanis deserve this. I am a strong believer that right of vote should only be given to educated masses and not to people who sell their vote for a plate of biryani.
How is it fair that a vote for educated person equal to a seller of vote. This democracy is a sham. Democracy works in Western societies as people are aware very much and knows the value of their vote.
People like NS buys vote and rule. Good for NS...as he takes advantage of these people and bad for people who gives advantage....
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Nov 06, 2015 10:53pm
@Raja Idrees This is called dishonesty.
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Nov 06, 2015 11:25pm
@George
You may continue to live on false slogans and blame game.
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Nov 06, 2015 11:29pm
I think it is time to move from agricultural sectors and develop other sectors like manufacturing mainly semi and finished products. We can't keep relying on agriculture alone for exports. But then again votes are life, votes are love so why bother with developing the country instead keep them slaves for all times to come. Good and effective policy by Pakistani politicians I must say.
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Nov 07, 2015 12:40am
This is clearly vote buying at the expense of common people all over the country who will now pay higher prices for petrol, diesel, electricity, mobile phone prepay card in order to finance this and other vote rigging plans and so goes on the vicious cycle....
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Nov 07, 2015 12:58am
@Manzoor
Polling dates were announced for LB elections and yet PM announced mega kissan package. And of course polling date was announced for NA 122 and yet right on the day just before polling day PM holds 3 hour long press conference influencing voters-- both are clear violation. If PM really sincere with poor farmers he should have announced kissan package at least 2 years earlier.
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Nov 07, 2015 01:13am
PM has a right to visit any part of the country to help people.
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Nov 07, 2015 01:13am
Instead of PTI crying its time we people of Pakistan should understand that those sitting in GOVT only give us something when they need humongous benefits from us. One more thing its PTI and because of them Kissans got their package the Lahore Metro and now this package otherwise PML-N would have followed the PPP scheme. Dont believe me ?check the stats of Punjab Govt before Oct-2011 and after Oct-2011. But Alas every time they became successful in making us fools. And its not worth crying here because those poor people of Lodhra dont read Dawn the education level is too low
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Nov 07, 2015 02:06am
Pre Poll Rigging again before upcoming election. Manupulation of rules by PM. why blame PTI then
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Nov 07, 2015 02:17am
PTI have to loose in any case - why to stop the kissan package...
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Nov 07, 2015 02:59am
Regardless what you call it, everyone should be happy that people of this area will be better off...This also shows how PML-N taking elections seriously whilst PTI has become complete waste of time!!
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Nov 07, 2015 03:22am
@SAIF why is this package being announced now, why delayed for so long, PMLN is very cunning, for them to concentrate on two seats in election was hard, they didn't let it happen along with NA122,so they got all the army of ministers there and now they will do the same thing in Lodhran, if we have to follow this western democracy then follow it up in full spirit,over there no government official is allowed such measures until the election is over, I believe rules are same in Pakistan but are only designed for others to follow except for Noon league which is quite shameful.
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Nov 07, 2015 06:23am
@iffi then the poor of that area deserve all that they get and it will mostly likely be nothing.
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Nov 07, 2015 09:08am
I think it is a kind of bribery just before election.
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Nov 07, 2015 09:10am
@Saagar
No sir it is a bribery at best.
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Nov 07, 2015 09:13am
@naeem
No. This time they have valid reason. It is buying votes.
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Nov 07, 2015 09:20am
@NADEEM KHAN
PYI cannot support bribery conducted by PM party.
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Nov 08, 2015 10:50am
@Zahra Jehangir Tareen is right but what about PTI government announcing same packages and IK frequent visits before local body elections in KPK? (Posted earlier but it seems you did not read it)
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Nov 09, 2015 11:45am
keep the people deprived until there is favorable time for loly pop. How could some one stop them ...
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