Palijo’s QAT to contest polls from GDA platform

The Qomi Awami Tehreek (QAT), a political party headed by Ayaz Latif Palijo, will contest the upcoming general elections from the platform of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) which Palijo once led as its General Secretary before resigning in April, 2022.

A meeting of the QAT's central committee in Hyderabad on Sunday opted to ally with the GDA, which is headed by Pir Pagara Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi, for the February 8, 2024, elections.

Palijo had quit the alliance's position after holding it for over six years. He had cited the GDA's lethargic activism on the issues concerning Sindh. He was also dismayed that the 15-point agenda which was submitted to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI's) government in December, 2019, was not pursued.

However, the political opponents of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sindh, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, among others are joining forces. And, the GDA is not an exception.

The QAT's meeting also announced protests across Sindh starting from January 5, 2024, against the auction of land, destruction of agriculture and allegedly fudged population census 2023.

Addressing the meeting, Palijo said elections are contested on the basis of performance in the world. However, in Pakistan the electoral results are changed to install anti-people politicians in power.

Read GDA demands impartial polling staff

He lampooned Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for destroying Sindh and creating unemployment during its 15 years long consecutive rule in the province. "The PPP even put on stake the unity of Sindh to get power." Palijo went on to blame the party for auctioning precious pieces of land in mountainous, coastal and agricultural parts of Sindh for peanuts.

Sardar Rahim says GDA witnessing surge in support.

Hundreds of political workers, including key figures in Sindh, have joined the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) as political activity gathes pace with the announcement of the general election schedule by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The increasing number of potential candidates applying for party ticket to contest election reflects a strong vote of confidence in the leadership of the GDA.

Sardar Abdul Rahim, General Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Sindh and Information Secretary of GDA, shared these sentiments at the Functional House in Karachi. He interacted with Abdul Kareem Shar, Waqar Jut, and Faysal Ali Baloch, members of the committee responsible for receiving applications from candidates.

Sardar Rahim declared that the GDA treats everyone equally, distributing tickets based on the interests of the country without considering wealth, poverty, caste, or religion.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2023.