News Analysis |
According to reports, PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh called on party leader and a legal expert Babar Awan in Islamabad for the purpose. PTI leaders concluded, after consultation, to file the petition. Sources claim that the leaders have decided to move the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Murtaza Wahab and Saeed Ghani.
The ECP has announced that the by-election in Ghotki’s National Assembly constituency NA-205 will be held on July 18. The seat falls vacant after the death of Sardar Ali Muhammad Mahar. But right after the death of Mahar there has been several reports which suggested the role of PPP in the political process, which is violation of the principles set by the ECP.
They know how and when to invoke the identity card. Or when to use the Bhutto card. This is what makes them different and win elections.
Sources stated that the PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh will stay in Islamabad to submit petition in the ECP. Earlier on Saturday, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial legislator Firdous Shamim Naqvi had demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to declare Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah ‘ineligible’ over influencing the upcoming by-polls in Ghotki’s NA-205 constituency.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, said in his statement that the ruling Pakistan People’s Party is politically influencing Ghotki by-elections. “CM Sindh [Murad Ali Shah] has met Saifullah Dharejo from Ghotki who later announced to fully support PPP besides joining the political party,” said Naqvi.
Legal experts believe that these cases are generally politically motivated and difficult to prove. Similarly, the ECP is not a trial court where a case is heard formally and verdicts are issued. Therefore, the said petition may not bring the intended results for the PTI. It is also believed that PTI’s candidate is not a strong one; therefore, the party is politically insecure.
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Professor G-M Pitafi, who happens to be from the same area, believes that the PPP is in a better position to win the by-elections for several reasons. “Let me tell you an interesting fact. The PPP is good at making and breaking alliances at local level. They know how and when to invoke the identity card. Or when to use the Bhutto card. This is what makes them different and win elections,” he added.