PPP mulls over selection of candidates

Kundi says some political parties want postponement of polls

KARACHI:

The PPP Sindh Parliamentary Board on Wednesday mulled over the selection of candidates from the province’s two divisions – Hyderabad and Mirpur Khan – for the upcoming general elections scheduled to be held on February 8 next year.

The huddle, which continued for the second day, was presided over by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
According to a statement issued by Bilawal House Media Cell Karachi, PPP Women's Department Central President Faryal Talpur was also present in the meeting alongside Bilawal.

The party’s parliamentary board discussed the selection of candidates from Hyderabad and Mirpur Khan for the upcoming polls. PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmad Khoro, former chief ministers Qaim Ali Shah and Murad Ali Shah, former federal minister Naveed Qamar, former PPP Sindh general secretary Senator Waqar Mehdi among others were also in attendance.

Read PPP calls on parties, institutions to work for ‘stronger Pakistan’

Separately, PPP Central Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi expressed the resolve that his party would participate in the upcoming general elections. He was addressing a news conference in Dera Ismail Khan.
Kundi maintained that some political parties wanted to postpone the polls citing terrorism or winter as the reason.

However, he ruled out the deferment, saying delay in elections was not possible in the presence of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. "The PPP always opposed political victimisation against anyone," he stated, stressing that transparent polls and provision of level-playing field to all political parties must be ensured to strengthen democracy in the country.

The PPP leader opined that no political party was in a position to take majority in the upcoming polls and hoped that the next government would be a coalition one. The PPP had a good experience of running a coalition government in the past, he added.

Read more PPP vows to spring ‘Jiyala’ surprise on Feb 8

Hailing the armed forces, Kundi observed that peace was restored in the country after “matchless sacrifices” of the law enforcement agencies. He held that the holding of “free and fair elections” was mandatory for the economic stability in the country. "It is the right of the people to choose the government of their choice."

He condemned the May 9 violence and called for punishing those involved in riots on the day. He mentioned that questions were raised over the PTI intra-party polls from within the party. Kundi reminded that PPP held six conventions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, adding that Bilawal would be visiting the province from Thursday (today).

He mentioned that party tickets would be awarded to the deserving candidates through its parliamentary board.
Responding to a question, Kundi while terming social media an “election tool” opposed a ban on it. On the occasion, PTI leader Malik Qasim Khan announced joining the PPP.