‘Govt formed with ‘stolen mandate’ will not last long’

Haleem Adil Sheikh, President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh, has asserted that the government formed with what he claims to be a "stolen mandate" will lead to the political demise of the PPP, PML-N, and MQM. Haleem stated that this time, these opposition parties would be buried forever, and the PTI, led by Kaptaan, will emerge victorious.

While speaking to the media after appearing in an anti-terrorism court, Haleem expressed gratitude to the people of Pakistan, especially those in Karachi and Hyderabad, who despite facing challenges, supported the PTI during the chairman's imprisonment.

He acknowledged the voters' determination in choosing the PTI, even when the party did not have its iconic 'bat' symbol, and its candidates were assigned unconventional and funny symbols like "kaddu, tenda, baigan, and joota." Haleem highlighted the resilience of PTI supporters who located PTI candidates and voted for them.

Read: CEC should tender apology or be ready to face Article 6: PTI's Haleem Adil

Reflecting on the recent political events, Sheikh stressed that the people gave PTI a mandate on February 8, but on February 9, a different selection occurred. He criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), saying that it got itself stuck in a quagmire - the more it pushes, the deeper it sinks.

Haleem claimed that the prime minister slot has become a "hot seat," suggesting that whoever occupies it will face challenges.

He insisted that the 180 seats robbed from the PTI will be reclaimed, and the government will be formed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and at the Centre. He warned that if the opposition forms a government with a "fake and robbed mandate," it will lead to a collective political grave for PPP, PML-N, and MQM.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st 2024.