File photo of PML-N leader Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi.
Pagara was speaking to media personnel after chairing his party’s central committee meeting on Sunday. Hundreds of PML-F leaders from all over the country had attended the meeting.
The PML-F chief had hypothesised in the past that general elections would not be held on time. However, Pagara said that his views had changed “after he attended a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz [sponsored] meeting in Raiwind,” referring to a gathering of opposition parties last month.
Earlier on, the party’s central council passed a unanimous resolution that asked the government to consult with all political parties and then put in place a caretaker set-up. The party also lashed out at the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government for pushing for more provinces in the country right at the tail end of its term.
Intraparty criticism
Rashidi calmly faced dissenting voices from party members during the central council meeting. Some PML-F leaders complained that their party had taken a laidback attitude after its massive December rally in Hyderabad.
“We have not slowed down in any way,” the PML-F chief responded. “We took a break from activities to work on our manifesto. It was 40 years old, and needed to be revised.”
The new manifesto focuses on agriculture, health, youth, women and minority rights. Pagara also promised his support to female party leaders, and recognised their role in strengthening the party.
Talking about possible electoral alliances, Pagara told his party that they would look for seat adjustments if opportunities arose. The party has been trying to muster a strong anti-PPP alliance in Sindh, and several influential clans, including the powerful Magsi clan, and the Mahers of Shikarpur, have joined it.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2013.
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