IPP neither B-team, nor sub-wing: Firdous

Former federal minister says party will contest upcoming general polls on its own

LAHORE:

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party senior leader Firdous Ashiq Awan on Sunday said her  newly formed IPP was neither a B-team, nor a sub-wing of any political entity.

Addressing a news conference in Lahore, Firdous maintained that the IPP was an independent political party which would contest the upcoming general elections on its own.

She continued that the IPP would enter the field of politics independently after the announcement of the election schedule.

The former federal minister demanded that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should show its impartiality for the public’s trust in the polls.

She said the IPP might “give or take space” in some constituencies and these decisions would be made after evaluating the ground realities before the elections.

She underscored that the IPP was formed for the protection of the Constitution and stood by the people of Pakistan.

Firdous claimed that the party was in a process of organisation in the provinces and more big-wigs would join it in the coming weeks.

“We believe that dialogue is the only way forward and all political parties should join hands to formulate a long-term common economic roadmap for the next 30-50 years,” she added.

The senior politician said the IPP believed that no political party alone could pull out the country from the current economic crisis.

Responding to a question, Firdous said the ECP had to improve its image. “Whenever we talk about electoral reforms, everyone wants a neutral umpire otherwise the credibility of the whole election process becomes dubious,” she added.

“The election commission should not give the impression that it belongs to some individuals or a party. It should give due space to all political parties in line with the Constitution except to those who attacked on our national sovereignty,” she said, indirectly referring to the PTI.

Answering another question, the IPP leader said the party was not formed to become a part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance but it was open for talks with everyone.

Firdous claimed that the IPP had no plan to forge an alliance with any political party but it would make decisions ahead of the general elections after evaluating the public pulse because it was constituted for the welfare of the people.

Trying to dispel the impression that the IPP was the only political party that had leaders but no activists, she said on the very first day of its launch, over 100 leaders and electables were present.

“Leaders make these decisions after consultation with their activists,” she said.

“Nobody can become a leader without a team and activists. Contrary to the common trend of worshipping leaders, the IPP will be the first party in the country in which teamwork will be witnessed,” Firdous maintained.

Criticising PTI chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan, she said he did not listen to anyone’s advice except his wife as well as murshid (spiritual guide), Bushra Bibi, whose words are orders for him.

“Those who throwing balls at 160kms per hour have put everyone on a political ventilator. His activists are rotting in jails and leaders have flown like helium balloons,” she taunted Imran.

Firdous added that the IPP would not try to hit six on every ball.

“We [IPP] will play the match ball by ball,” she continued.

Replying to a question about Fawad Chaudhry, she said he was an independent citizen, who had the right to make his own decisions.

“It is not possible that you join a party but your loyalty is with someone else. The doors of the IPP is open for everyone. The party will give due respect to each and every one of its members,” she said.

The IPP was founded recently by former PTI leader Jahangir Tareen.

It comprises mostly of leaders who have quit the PTI in the wake of May 9 violence, triggered by the arrest of Imran in connection with a corruption case.

Violent protests broke out across the country in which the rioters had attacked civil and military installations.