ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has finalised an electoral alliance with the Awami Muslim League (AML) in the upcoming elections.
PTI chief Imran Khan met with AML president Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday at the former's residence in Islamabad, where they finalised the formation of an electoral alliance.
Both leaders agreed to support each others’ candidates during the elections, while officials from both parties, privy to the meeting, said Khan and Ahmed had finalised the modalities vis-à-vis their cooperation in the upcoming general elections.
According to sources, PTI had also assured the AML that it will not nominate a candidate against Sheikh Rasheed in his home constituency of Rawalpindi.
In December 2011, sources had revealed that Ahmed requested for a merger between AML and the PTI, but no final decision was taken. A party official had said that the PTI might not go for an alliance with any political party.
Ahmed, once an undefeated candidate in his constituency, has lost three times—2008 general polls and two by-elections since then—against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates.
Ahmed’s repeated defeats are attributed to his 'betrayal' of former premier and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, for supporting former President Pervez Musharraf, following his bloodless coup in 1999.
It is noteworthy that a PTI candidate, contesting one of the two by-elections in the city, could not do well against a PML-N contender.
Sheikh's associates were hopeful that this alliance could help Ahmed win back his lost seat.
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Imran Khan is looking for horse who can win seats in the Assembly . unlike olden days when he was interetsed in People with credibility and Character , where he was not getting a single seat and thats why abstain the previous election but due to his previous Charm he was always engaged in limelight of small screen as well as print Media , now he has learnt from his mistake and decided to take a complete U turn . Yes Shk Rashid has been minister for more than many others as he has the policy of adjustment . Unfortunately despite his loud voice and Cigar , he has not been listened strongly by policy makers , he may have done some good jobs in the past , but has not worked on improving his perception in public eyes . Imran Khan is continously working to break PML N and indirectly supporting PPP ,because rest of the parties have no bone or rather Character as they are only interetsed in sitting in the Parliament and get Ministerial Position, otherwise they will never get Federal Minister position look at PML Q - MQM - ANP and JUI etc . None of them have sympathy for country and endorse any law , any suggestion by PPP , Wake up Pakistanis !! Vote for country and not for Slogans - they have made country pennyless and Bhikari , today Pakistani Passport is treated like Kachra and people laugh at us , a very recent example is Pre Olympic Drama , if you all sleep and vote with slogan story then you all including the coalation partners are equally Criminals of the State .
i agree with you @svmat:
well done SIR IK you need no enemy. very soon you will be boss of another tonga party.
IK's change to me seems like the change ( in urdu). When a bagger asks you for money and you tell him. Maaf kero baba I dont have change and he asks you bahi jan. I have 'Change' kitna ka chaiye aap ko ?
Its a very good decision by PTI. Electoral alliances should be made with those independent candidates also who has delivered to that area and city and worked hard for people. sheikh Rashid has done a lot for Rawalpindi city. a lot of improvement in roads and education area. we are in PTI and would like that whoever wins is a sincere worker and works as a servant of Pakistani nation .PTI voters will be young sensible voters and will not vote for relations and friendship but for their and their children' future. PLEASE hOPE FOR CHNGE May Allah gives us respect in our country and in the world Ameen
@nisar: "No charge." So smart of him. :)
feeling really sorry for IK for paying such high prices just to defeat PMLn. but still no surety of crushing Nawax sharif in PINDI....
@ali: What are you expecting for any other parties? isn't 2008-2013 enough for us all?
Wake up Ali
@Acorn Guts: Well if you don't trust IK you can vote for someone else like PML (n) or PPP and let's have another 5 years of democracy (read blood sucking).
A well planned strategic move from Imran Khan..this was bound to happen because PTI 's main intention is to Wipe out Hanif Abbasi whose image in public has gone down due to the Ephedrine scam thanks to the sponsorship from Sheikh Rasheed and now is the turn for Chaudhary Nisar and Khawaja Asif . I dont think Imran Khan has forgotten the the altercation he had with Sheikh Rasheed In 2005 on a Tv talk show in which both got personal but now i think he has really shown a sign of seasoned, mature politician capable of giving PML N response in their own currency.No Doubt Sheikh Rasheed will cut more votes of Nawaz league. Alliance is good for PTI.
this guys needs alliances to win. Cannot win on his own.
Un-ethical politics of PTI. I request PTI fans to open their eyes. What a change by PTI.....
Sheikh Rasheed will repent very soon.
Shame for Imran Khan who is raising slogans of CHANGE.
I am not a political mind but I think only Allah knows that from who HE wants to get deliver. HE can change minds and can show the straight path to anyone. For those, who are droping their vote in favour of PTI, please dont let your hope go and see the upcoming events. Hope from PTI is the only option at this moment, otherwise who....
It is difficult to digest but electoral allainces are the need of today Politics.....It has been a fact that PTI could not do well against Sheikh Rasheed in previous elections.....If PTI has to take heads on with PML(N), theses minor changes would help a lot..... Still, I trust IMran Khan and PTI....
Now it's crystal clear clear that imran khan is going to clear the path for his prime minister ship. watch the past talk shows of Sheikh and Imran khan. Both are blaming that cricketer doesn't know politics and in the same way imran is answering sheikh. From this unity it seems that imran has realised that without any support of other renowned politicians he will be unable to realize the dream of Prime-minister of Pakistan.
Another puppy of Musharraf kissed by Khan... SHAME
Umer Bin Nisar IJT
@abbas .. there are no ethics in politics, only strategic moves and this one's quite an interesting one.
A revolutionist make decison,does not see publicc opinion,Imran is one leader and has the courage to take desicion and stand by them,i support imran
Now we need Ijaz ul haq also and all the murderers of LET, ASWJ to also join Imran Khan
Perfect move by PTI thanks God PTI is thinking good
Smart move by Imran Khan. People who join him now do so because they think he will 'win big' and that enhances PTI's image. This is practical politics and a necessity in the Pakistani arena.
Change means to defeat Nawaz league,doesn't matter on the other side Zardari may get stronger. am i right PTI Jiyalas.
i think pti should do alliance with mqm as well.
Rashid may not be as corrupt as other politicians, but his establishmentarian background and pro-militant history, for which he was interrogated at a US airport, are itself problematic.
But considering that Ijaz Chaudry, VP of PTI, shared the same stage with Rashid, at DPC with other establishmentarians and known extremists, it probably shouldn't be a surprise or problem for right-wing PTI and IK, who've already made some interesting, if not hypocritical, U-turns earlier for political success.
I request to every one not to comment and waste time and energy on such stupid and selfish alliances of Pakistani politicians. All politicians are busy in making new nets to trap the poor common Pakistanis. This corrupt system of politics and democracy should be rejected by not casting your votes and send empty ballot boxes to these politicians so that they know that people hates them. Pakistan is facing serious challenges , no single party or few so called politicians can solve these problems. Before and after the elections these politicians will make alliances and will loot the poor Pakistanis once again. The new PM will bribe his member to protect his throne at the federal level and the new CM's will protect their chairs by bribing the elected members in the provinces, nothing will change because it is the in the system. If people want real change and they want to change the system, they should give full support to the proven honest higher judiciary. Media and armed forces should also support judiciary and a non professional politicians government should install for next five years only to deal with the basic problems, the common people are facing. A parliamentary democracy is a number game and to gain number one can expect all the irregularities from these politicians. PLEASE DON'T ENCOURAGE LOTA DEMOCRACY.
Change!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PTI showing its real color.......IK only wants power..........He has entered into alliance with person who conducted the Lal Masjib operations............Shame
A very Welcome move...& all those PML-N wallas pretending to b Insafians plz fade away.. :)
Newly Born PTI Supporters should not be disappointed. PTI will not have its candidate in NA-55, where they never had any strong candidate and that's it Nothing more Nothing less. Have Faith in Imran
to all those "PML(N) SUPPORTERS" who are sharing link of youtube video of imran khan and sheikh rasheed first go and watch marvi memon comments about ur party and how she supports pervez musharaf....:D
Shiekh Rasheed is not corrupt: Imran Khan is pious: Mansoor Ijaz is patriotic what can we expect next fromPTI supporters?
GHQ zindabad
He's already accepted USELESS Trash of other political parties; ie: kasuri, leghari, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Javed Hashmi.- SO WHY NOT Shiekh Rashid?
They've all been involved in corruption; If you can't beat em, join em!!!!!
@Pakistan Recruitment Group: Yes, that is true. Shaikh Rashid is a good front man spokesperson.
This is a good start for Punjab between PTI and AML to counter and outflank PMLN.
Good luck to PTI and AML and let's see some real practical, positive, down to earth and hands on the job change in Pakistan. Salams
PTI never had my note; and neither will they-
SAY NO TO LOTACRACY
the next one will be chudries, how power politics sucks ideals...mana is a good recent example to understand
Water car can run but this alliance cannot get more than ten seats. To add one or two seats more, Imran should invite Musharaf to join his party.
Sheikh Rashid is many times better than Ch Nisar (aka Mr. Bean) and Hanif Abassi of Rawalpindi. He alone is enough to give them tough time. I am sure PTI will benefit from this alliance.
way to go. He is a good man.
@Muhammed Zafir Zia: Hillarious ... lol
hey guys whats wrong in it ? i mean seriously ? don't we all know that shiekh rasheed is an outspoken and a clean politician ? and angels will not come to take PTI to the parliament, Imran Khan has to take few bold decisions and this is one of them . nothing bad in this in context to bring pakistan on a good track and to make it Zardari and Nawaz free state. Period
@Acorn Guts: With the so called champs of "change" Imran Khan has at the moment. He won't be able to win the with alliances.
Shame on Imran khan And Sheikh Rasheed....
Well Sheikh Rasheed isn't that corrupt n hypocrite like PML-N, who leveled shoddy allegation against Imran Khan just when the elections days are near. These people have no respect of Ramadan and just for their own selfish interests they accuse other of fake allegations.
Those who are puppets of PML-N and PPP, i suggest them to think out of the box, these people have ruled you for decades and what this nation has get is hue n cry, foreign debts, economic crisis, energy crisis, poor law n order situation, escalation in petroleum, food n other commodities prices. Still u want them these people to come to power? then our nation cries over load shedding, target killings and recession.
Imran Khan deserves a chance in such scenario. I'll vote for him and urge everyone to vote for PTI candidates.
and for those who are furious on alliance b/w AML & PTI, they should learn the basics of politics. Merger & alliance is necessary for contesting an election. Aren't u ppl aware of alliance b/w PPP and PML-Q & others.
Anyways Imran Khan haters rest in peace! :)
Sheikh Rasheed supported Musharraf but still is better than many. No corruption charges. When in the government and Information and Broadcasting Minister, he used to openly speak against the governments wrong doings when he felt appropriate and that led to his demotion to Railway minister. Even railway did well under his regime. People of Pindi will surely prefer him over PMLN and PPP candidates in Pindi and as PTI doesnt have a strong candidate in Pindi, this decision seems logical.
In my opinion, IK should not make alliance with Sheikh Rasheed but still I trust IK and will vote for him.
@Acorn Guts: Oh my, if you don't vote for PTI how will they ever come in to power?? please dont do this to them, pretty please........Sarcasm
SR is jack of all trade but master of none, Over 90% supporter of PTI are ex president Musharraf followers. Since musharraf left then a vacume was built then iK appears in between hence he enjoying Musharraf popularity. IK said he will strike down drone but can he strike down US aggression after that? So all my dudes pls be happy always.
Looking forward to IK's address at SRA's jalsa on 13th Aug at Liaqaut Bagh.
@Abbas: Quitting PTI? haha. Saw this statement by you the umpteenth time. Get a life Nooners. You wanna distract the Insafians. Sadly for you; its 2012 and 1997 is far far behind. BTW how much is the media cell operating from Punjab IT Board offices in Lahore paying folks these days (for quitting PTI) :P
Good Bye, IK !!!
SR is jack off all trade but master of none. 90% of PTI supporters are followers of president Musharraf. IK policies on war on terror is of Musharraf, local bodies economy and so on. Ik say that he will hit down drones but he did not say what next if US launch attack on Pakistn then.
Sheikh Rasheed in the above picture looks like saying: "aa gaay na beta line per..." :)
Waddi change!!
Right Moves by imran khan!! because if he will go to noon league then people will again start talking about noon league getting strong etc etc111 esp the media!!!
@nisar: On the contrary , excellent news for PML N .
IK has been exposed . Sheda will now be seen as anti PML N ( this will help the PML N candidate ).
@awans Mr awans have started his lectures again..
Shaikh Rashid openly claims to be Establishment or GHQ man. Do we take it as a hint to understand where powerful establishment leaning and which party is their favorite.
Maybe it is about time that we should tell IK to "Keep the change"
This is a brilliant move..Sheikh Rasheed may have been a part of dictators government but still he is among one of the few politicians who have not been charged with corruption allegations ever..a Hard working person and has the pain for the people of his constituency..
PML N obviously will not like this move and will criticise IK, but with SHeikh rasheed inclusion PTI will certainly have an edge in Rawalpindi Politics..PTI Rawalpindi jalsa have already rang warning bells for PML N in rawalpindi, hanif abbasi issue and now Sheikh rasheed joining will proove to be a last nail in coffin box..
I think its good... I like both of them in fact I always wanted that Mr. rasheed should join PTI. He is the man, Who did some work or took some positive steps when he was minister (Media/Railway). He is not like the typical politicians such as in PML-N or PPP. Just filling there own pockets. He had some feelings for Pakistani peoples.
I hope that they both make somthing good and Save Pakistan. InshaALLAH. We should face this new change in a positive side. All the Best IK.
PTI supporters we need this alliance to beat our worst enemies Hanif abbasi and Choudry nisar in PINDI. PTI can't beat Hanif abbasi and Choudry nisar in PINDI with any other candidate. This is very good atctical move by IK to hurt those worst enemies of PTI.
Sheikh Rasheed has always been a man of the 'establishment'. He was part of the establishment-backed Sharif governments in the 1990s and when Sharif went rogue in 1999, Sheikh sb swiftly changed sides to join Musharaf in the 2000s. So it is hardly surprising that this time Sheikh Rasheed forms an alliance with the establishment's blue-eyed boy IK. Now there is no greater proof that PTI is being firmly backed by the ISI
Good move. JI shud also have alliance with PTI.
Very bad news for Hanif abbasi.If PTI lost your vote, who are you going to vote for? PPP? PML-N? PTI is still the best contender..
@nisar: Can we ask the source of income of Sheikh Rasheed? He smokes Cubans, travels first class to the US, must be filthy rich.
Excellent! We are with you IK.
Sometimes hard decisions are needed to be made in order to conquer evil. It'd be hard for IK without such alliances. Sheikh Rasheed isn't a bad man anyway. Good decision IK.
Dr. Asad Sadick said:
@ Dr. Asad Sadick:
I am pleased that you have admitted that it is a decision taken with the hope to sidetrack PML-N and has nothing to do with PTI consolidating its political position in Rawalpindi based on its ideology despite claiming to harbor a political tsunami which on its own sweep the elections. Doesn't the existence of such a tsunami necessitate that Imran Khan and PTI field their own candidate with the aim of sidetracking the PML-N without compromising on its principles--and that also without the any fear of Sheikh Rasheed reducing PTI votes to the extent that PML-N capitalizes?
No comments from UR favorite MR MIRZA
Good. It is a promising alliance.
Good and promising alliance.
0+0 = Losers of the Highest Pedigree
:D :D
@Muhammed Zafir Zia
hhahahaha good video man, but hey will still vote for IK, Sheeda could be used to hurt PML - N more and that one more seat for PTI, rather have seat alliance then have him in the party :)
InsaafTak: And they've won one NA seat today. There is no point blaming Sheikh Rasheed. He has been the most favourite leader from pindi. His only blunder perhaps was the inclusion in Musharraf's cabinet and lost primarily due to public anger against Lal Masjid operation. The guy is not corrupt, he has no properties abroad despite a long political career, doesn't have kids in first place so having bank accounts or business in their names is not an issue. I think this is by far the best move PTI could have taken. Well done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIQnjV4PX9k&feature=player_embedded
politics is the art of the possible
Sheikh Rasheed has always been a man of the 'establishment'. He was part of the establishment backed Nawaz Sharif governments in the 1990s and when Sharif went rogue in 1999, Sheikh sb swiftly changed sides to join the Musharaf governments in the 2000s. So it is hardly surprising that this time Sheikh Rasheed forms an alliance with the establishment's blue-eyed boy IK. Now there is no greater proof that PTI is being firmly backed by the ISI.
Sh rasheed is a loose cannon, He has a histrory of tunring back on his former masters...nawaz sharif, mush, and now IK will also see this
wasn't Sheikh Rasheed part of all three evil governments before this one? oh he isn't part of this govt because he formed his own party (which not unlike PTI) failed to win a single seat in the 2008 elections.
@InsaafTak:
if you not giving vote to PTI becuase of Shiekh rasheed than you can vote for ppp or pmln. good luck. whtas so wrong with this alliance. PTI has not made alliance with president Georg Bush. PTI has taken so many MUsharaf cabinet members in party and Shah mahmoos from PPP than why not only alliance with SR.Okay so let me get this right. May 12, 2007 when PTI supporters were being gunned down in Karachi and Musharaf was waving his fist in Pindi, Sheikh Rasheed was Musharaffs right hand man and Imran Khan was going all berserk against Musharaff and all the people that represented his regime. but look at this now. So much for revolution. I personally do not know to what extent PTI is supported by the establishment, if at all. But i do find it curious that PTI would be warming up to Jamat islami, Sheikh Rasheed etc. Next we would probably hear Hameed Guls and Hafiz Saeeds joining hands with PTI and eventually another IJI on the national scene?
DPC boys club uniting under PTI banner?
@Falcon: Since Lalu Parsad affair, there have been some mumblings that Shaikh Sahab has thrown his lot with People of Lot. Difficult to verify but it's becoming more apparent by the day.
@Abbas: ok bye bye
@InsaafTak: Why? You need to understand politics in Pakistan mate! lots us have no idea how tough it is!
@Falcon: On a side note, ET is good at digging out photos. In the photo above, it seems like SR is in love with IK ;)
It's obvious. And look at the "sharmati dulhan!"
Until few months back, PTI and AML were lonely one man political parties, but now some political leaders have joined PTI and the graph of PTI has come up with some old faces into a new political party.
The alliance between PTI and AML is that Sheikh Rasheed should win the National Assembly election from his constituency and nothing else. I don’t know why Sheikh Rasheed and Imran Khan are calling this as an alliance, whereas AML is still one man political party consisting on one old face of Sheikh Rasheed only.
@Khosa: You can't be that naive to think that this is the political death of Khan. Into hyperbole much?
Born Bachelors!
PTI lost 1 seat before elections ... That is NA55 :(
Who was the match maker; The Devil Himself? Now throw in Mush and it would be wonderful Manage a tua! Let Hamid Gul be the "Nikah Khwan."
i totally suport this move. Those who are against it are PMLN trolls. There is no use fighting each other in elections a united front can make sure the seat is won 100%.....
people who come on et and always try to blackmail their vote...well people like you would not have voted anyways . so please strop beating around the bush
The Politics of Pakistan weather there is any Political Party has only Political Ideology and that is Greed and Lust of Power. Same is the case with PTI. Imran Khan told the Youth of PTI in the past that he will select a Youth from Rawalpindi to bring change and he had Selected A good Bachelor and a virgin? from Rawalpindi to bring change. Welcome to the real politics of Pakistan my all friends. PTI is not about change but to bring PMLN down and nothing else.
Wow great news !!!
The party has now an official and free of charge ''spokesperson''.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIQnjV4PX9k
Still need comments?
If PTI can take Jahangir tareen, Khursheed qasoori, legharis , shah mehmmod, ghulam sarwar khan in the party than why not alliance with shiekh rasheed. Whats wrong with Shiekh rasheed ?PTI workers must watch fights of both leaders on you tube.
Didn't Mr. Khan say that Sheikh Rasheed is a boot polisher of all dictators and that he would prefer death over the type of politics Mr. Rasheed does?? ... CRAP!!
Part one of the revolution is now complete. Part two will be completed after alliance with Hafiz Saeed.
Another step that exposes the dirty politics of IK. Down with Imran Khan.
Folks.... Watch the video after reading this news..Funny :)
http://youtu.be/TIQnjV4PX9k
@Doosam: He said no alliance with any party who is in govt.
you can disagree with sheikh rasheed but one thing is very clear that he has been minister 8 times and in govt many times but there is no corruption charges against him. This is very rare in pakistani politics and a very positive thing about shiekh rasheed. He has done a lot for PINDI people , specially in education sector, built many school and colleges , specially for women and built first women university in PINDI. He is very popular in tv viewers and will be an advantage for PTI. He got alot of political experince and knows pakistani politics and polticians very well and it will be haplful for PTI. Overall not bad for PTI. He will be an advantage to PTI,
I am quitting PTI .. tired of immature decisions and U-Turns
Seems like Khan knows no political ethics
@Doosam: Of not forming alliance with the parties in the parliament, not outside parliament.
Good and clever move by PTI.
SAD :(((
Political death of Khan...
PTI fans, please see this as a tactical move to sidetrack PML N and Q. It's not an ideological strategy. It's like you bring in a good fielder as 12th man on to the ground and he holds difficult catches. :)
seriously?
Very disappointed
Didn't Mr. Khan say that Sheikh Rasheed is a dictator's puppy and that he would prefer death over the type of politics Mr. Rasheed does? What a U-Turn this time..CRAP!!
Maz Rizvi Canada
And finally Imran loses all credibility...
Birds of a feather flock together.
I respect Shaikh Rasheed more than Imran Khan.
Cute!
so much for earlier statements of not forming alliance with any political party
Ideologically the same. No point wasting candidates competing. Good move.
thisn is a big achievement for shiekh rashid party and finally he has persuaded khan sahib into coalition but we hope that these two prominant leaders will work for the better of society..
Politics in Rawalpindi is about to get interesting.
slam! really sad news. IK should not accept him in allaince. if he want to join PTI , he should be accepted otherwise not. sheikh is unpredictable so he will irritate PTI. thanks
Way to go IK. What a Dream Team that is going to bring a revolutionary change in Pakistan. Imran Khan is a civilian Pervez Musharaf without uniform.
Its the real CHANGE. IK is making fool of people on name of CHANGE. Everybody know the reality of such people who joined PTI after 30 October. I am surprised at the people who still consider IK or PTI as symbol of positive change. Such people are really naive.
Change lol
only speculations..... no confirmation from PTI
And the first to criticize will be N league supporters :)
Make me remind a Punjabi quotation!
GREAT!
wow what principles of IK!!! Sheikh Rashid is an ISI brat since he joined politics. He even admits it himself. Now people please take a look at IK's videos from nineties and see how he has changed just to grab power. Very sad day for Pakistani's. People had hopes from IK and look what he is doing now.
All these electoral alliances remind of 1977 Indian elections. Also every known party merged to form Janta party against Indira Gandhi. However, that party lasted hardly 3 years. Be assured, same will happen in Pakistan. Such opportunist alliances do not last long, In the end Imran Khan will be the looser. .
So the sum will be zero+ zero = double zero? all the need is one if the can get just one voter. The gravity of stupidity don't let wisdom come near, and the person is trapped in his own ---- ty.
On a side note, ET is good at digging out photos. In the photo above, it seems like SR is in love with IK ;)
Hahah is this the change IK wants me to vote for? lol good luck with that, not voting for the headless tsunami with a clueless leader.
PTI is going for a "CHANGE." in Pakistan. Is it?
baffling for me
PMLN Troll lets start bashing...
Good Move! It will harm PMLN in Rawalpindi!!!