Gaining momentum: PML-N draws large crowd in G-B

Leaders vow to end sectarian strife.

GILGIT:

With general elections around the corner, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Tuesday flexed its political muscles in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) by pulling in a considerable crowd from all parts of the region.

The rally, organised to mark the 10th death anniversary of Saif-ur-Rehman, founding member of PML-N in the region, was large even by G-B standards, where politics is largely inspired by sectarian divides.

“Once we are in power, we will end sectarianism and bring justice to the masses,” promised Hafizur Rehman, regional president of PML-N. “The crowd gathered here testifies to the fact that the party is supported even in this remote part of the county,” he told the gathering which, according to independent sources, was around 10,000 people strong.

“One of our top priorities is to restore sectarian peace in the region,” said Fida Muhammad Nashad, a former chief executive (a position now equivalent to chief minister).

Mohammad Saleem, district president of Astore, said the party would work to bring normalcy back to the strife torn region by following the late Rehman’s philosophy. Rehman, an education advisor, was murdered in 2003.



The speakers also demanded an inquiry by the National Accountability Bureau into alleged corruption scandals. They claimed the party would launch an anti-corruption drive in the region to rid the area of unlawful practices.

Politicians and workers from valleys including Astore, Hunza -Nagar, Skardu, Diamer and Ghizer attended the rally.

A key leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Ghulam Muhammad also recently announced he would be joining the PML-N. He had been sidelined by the PPP’s regional leadership after differences with the governor emerged.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2013.