Controversial figures muddy election waters: NA speaker

National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has urged all political entities to ensure the election process remains free from controversy, cautioning that a government formed through contentious polls cannot drive development.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday alongside fellow PPP leaders, including Hassan Murtaza, Ashraf emphasised the crucial need for transparent elections in the country.

He urged all political parties to preserve the integrity of national institutions, stating that no disparaging remarks should be made against any institution, especially as the nation is going to ballots on February 8, 2024.

However, he expressed regret that controversial figures tend to emerge in each election, muddying the waters.

Noting that Pakistan was the only country to conduct elections under a caretaker government, the NA speaker said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should be kept neutral under all circumstances.

Ashraf further urged that all political parties be given an equal and fair opportunity.

"Pakistan has conscientious voters," he said, noting that February 8 marks the election day and the nation is in full election mode.

"Every party and voter require an unbiased election," he stated, urging all parties to allow sufficient space for each other in the electoral process. "Pakistan belongs to all of us, not to any single party.”

Ashraf cautioned against irresponsible statements from political parties, emphasising that a transparent government cannot be built if institutions are divided. He called for collective responsibility in safeguarding national institutions.

Bemoaning the tendency for each election to become contentious, he called upon the ECP to ensure a level playing field for all parties to avert any scrutiny or doubt.

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"Such rhetoric should be avoided. Elections are not trivial; they hold significant national importance," he said, calling for the ECP to address any concerns regarding a fair playing field.

"People are increasingly conscious, and we must trust our voters," he added, highlighting the PPP's efforts to improve the conditions of the common man during their governance.

Speaking during the press conference, party leader Hassan Murtaza said there was a constitutional crisis in the country and dismissed the notion that “deals” would determine the government formation.

Asserting the principle that a government aligned with the people will prevail, Murtaza underlined the PPP's commitment to forming a government that resonates with the masses.

He also clarified that the PPP will not concede any ground on the sanctity of the 18th Amendment.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Nadeem Ashraf Sindhu and a group of associates officially crossed over to join the PPP.

Welcoming the newcomers, PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf extended a warm reception to those aligning with the party's ideology.

The event was attended by several PPP leaders, including General Secretary Syed Hasan Murtaza, Khalil Kamran, Imran Athwal, and Naseem Sohotra.

The PTI leaders were swayed to join the PPP following persuasive efforts by PPP's Lahore General Secretary Jamil Manj and Rana Dilshad.

Notable among those transitioning to the PPP fold are Shahzeb, Muqoob Ahmed, Anas, and Muhammad Ali.

Similarly, PTI’s Khawaja Anwar Ahmed Sheikh from PP-60 and Dr Faisal Chaudhary from PP-59 also switched their allegiance to the PPP.

Jabbar Manj, PPP's candidate from PP-62, and Zeeshan Ilyas, contesting from NA-80, played instrumental roles in persuading the PTI leaders to join the PPP ranks.