Tough time ahead for PTI-backed independents, claims ex-minister
TAXILA: Former PTI leader Malik Amin Aslam Khan on Monday claimed that the majority of PTI-backed independent MNAs-elect would cross over other political parties.
Talking to newsmen at his home town Shamsabad on Monday, he said tough time for the PTI-backed independent MNAs had begun. “If they switch their loyalties, their electorates will not spare and if they don’t, they will be coerced into joining the choice party of powerful quarters.
Responding to a question, Mr Aslam said that from the very first day he had doubted the credibility of the general election which had now turned out to be true.
Meanwhile, PTI candidate from Taxila constituency NA-54 Azra Masood on Monday she would reclaim her seat in NA as over 100.000 voters had given their mandate in her favour.
She vowed to fight for her electorates rights till the last ball their mandate had been stolen.
She was talking to newsmen after addressing a protest rally taken out against rigging and foul play in the polling allegedly by election commission staff after addressing a women convention.
The convention was arranged by PTI women wing Rawalpindi district president Kalsoom Chaudhry and PTI women wing Taxila chapter President ShaziaAzhar.
She said they had filed appeal against the manipulation of election results of NA and provincial assembly in the district office of the election commission and expressed the hope that they would emerge victorious.
“According to Form 45, we emerged victorious. This is not an election; it’s a selection.” said Ms Masood.
Responding to a question, she rejected the election results alleging rigging and foul play and demanded early release of form 45 by returning officer (RO).
Earlier, addressing the convention, PTI women wing Rawalpindi district president Kalsoom Chaudhry said that PTI workers had played a front line warrior during electioneering and on polling day.
She said that the women activists not only took active part in the electioneering but also in post-election protest against alleged rigging and foulplay.
Speaking on this occasion, Shazia Azhar President PTI women wing Taxila chapter said that women activists carried out their electioneering campaign in the toughest time in the political history of the country.
She said women were not allowed to hold that even meetings. She said that the women convention was held in token of thanks for the women activists who played a key role in getting mass support for the PTI candidates in one national and two provincial assembly constituencies of the area.
Earlier, the women activists of PTI took out a protest rally to condemn the alleged rigging and foulplay in the elections.
They raised slogans in favour of their demands and against the election commission.
Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2024