PML-N, PPP blast PTI's 'suicide attack' on polls

ECP`s decision to halt training session for ROs and DROs raises concerns about scheduled polls on February 8.

LAHORE:

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal on Friday lashed out at PTI's purported efforts to sabotage the upcoming elections by manipulating the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs), branding it as a “heinous conspiracy against democracy”.

Talking to journalists in Model Town, Ahsan Iqbal accused the incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan of orchestrating a "suicide attack" on the electoral process to evade the impending polls.

"PTI's attempt to manoeuvre the appointments of ROs and DROs is a blatant move to disrupt the elections," he asserted, emphasising that PTI should not be allowed to sidestep the democratic process.

He accused PTI of leveraging the judiciary to serve its political interests. He claimed, "PTI's targeting of the ROs suggests an ulterior motive to postpone the elections."

The PML-N's reaction came after a significant turn of events following the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to halt the training session meant for ROs and DROs.

The decision raised concerns about the feasibility of conducting the scheduled polls on February 8.

The ECP's action came after a directive from the Lahore High Court (LHC), which temporarily suspended the electoral body's notification pertaining to the appointment of ROs and DROs from the bureaucratic ranks.

This legal intervention, prompted by a petition from the PTI, appeared to bring the electoral process to a grinding halt, causing widespread apprehension among various political parties, regarding the fate of the impending general elections.

Expressing concern over PTI's alleged tactics to delay the elections, Iqbal urged the chief election commissioner to intervene and ensure timely elections. "The masses are eager for an elected government to address their concerns.”

"The election must proceed as scheduled to enable the democratic government to tackle the issues faced by the masses," he demanded, dismissing PTI's ploys as attempts to seek refuge from electoral defeat.

Highlighting the unanimity among political parties regarding the election date of February 8, Iqbal underlined the preparations being made by PML-N in accordance with the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court.

Moreover, he accused the former PTI chairman of instigating chaos and disorder following the no-confidence motion that ousted his government.

"By dismantling both the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments, PTI orchestrated an assault on democracy," he said.

Regarding the events of May 9, Iqbal suggested a conspiracy aimed at fomenting turmoil within the country while also purportedly targeting the nation's armed forces.

He accused PTI of carrying out an international campaign to discredit national security institutions, labelling such actions as a threat to the stability and constitutional integrity of the nation.PTI 'averse to elections':

PPPPPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza on Saturday alleged that the PTI does not want to contest elections since most of its candidates are either fugitives or have deserted the party, while reiterating party's stance to stick to the scheduled date of February 8.

He expressed bewilderment over the Lahore High Court's (LHC) single-bench decision obstructing the slated February 8 elections, saying that the Supreme Court has already established this date for the elections.

"The decision to obstruct elections based on the deployment of returning officers (ROs) would be regrettable," the PPP leader said in a statement.

The concerns arose after the Election Commission of Pakistan’s abrupt halting of a three-day training session for returning officers, mere hours after its initiation.

The halt followed the Lahore High Court's suspension of the ECP's notification regarding the appointment of ROs and district returning officers (DROs) sourced from bureaucratic ranks.

The PTI's legal petition challenging the appointment of bureaucratic officials as DROs and ROs for the upcoming polls triggered the legal intervention, causing an apparent standstill in the electoral progression.

Condemning PTI's actions, Hassan Murtaza reiterated PPP's commitment to holding elections on the stipulated February 8 date.

He urged for the immediate release of the election schedule, emphasising the need to confront the situation head-on without any justifications or delays.

"We must confront the situation without delay and avoid making excuses," he demanded, welcoming PPP's stance against the Lahore High Court's decision.

The PPP is committed to ensuring that the election process proceeds without any form of delay whatsoever, he asserted.