Pervez Musharraf. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: Former president and chief of All-Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Pervez Musharraf is all set to hold a big election rally in Chitral soon after his clearance from the election tribunal.
Musharraf has been summoned by the tribunal to appear before it on April 16, since the acceptance of his nomination papers from NA-32 Chitral was challenged by rival candidates.
Among the four constituencies for which Musharraf submitted his nomination papers, he was cleared to run only from NA-32 Chitral, the seat he is optimistic to secure if the legal complications did not restrict him.
“Yes, general sahib, will go to Chitral after April 17 to hold a big election rally in the valley and by that time, we will also make our manifesto public,” said Aasia Ishaq, the spokesperson of the APML.
The spokesperson said the party leader would visit the valley at any cost, saying that security is the responsibility of the government. “We are waiting for announcement of our manifesto which will hopefully be made public on April 16 or 17,” said Aasia.
Security and judicial issues are the key hurdles in Musharraf’s election campaign.
The former president is said to be concerned about the attitude of the judiciary.
Sources said Musharraf was still unsure whether he would be allowed to contest the elections by the courts, and was particularly awaiting the decision of the election tribunal of the Peshawar High Court on his nomination papers.
Musharraf chose NA-32 Chitral, among other constituencies, due to his faith in the people of the valley, who are much obliged to him over the development work he had executed there, chiefly the long-awaited Lowari Tunnel project, during his presidency.
Syed Miraz, a Chitrali professional temporarily settled in Islamabad, said Chitral was ignored by successive K-P politicians, but Musharraf directly obliged the people of the valley with his discretionary funds. He added that irrespective of his physical presence in Chitral, Musharraf will defeat the so-called local politicians.
It is not for the first time that an outsider is contesting elections from Chitral, as PPP had once successfully fielded Nusrat Bhutto in 1988. However, the same party awarded its ticket to a Karachi-based Piar Ali Allana for the same constituency in 1990, but he was defeated by Shahzada Mohyuddin.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2013.
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So sad Musharraf nomination papers rejected from NA-32 Chitral. I think its unfair and ECP bringing forward the old corrupt faces, which destroy every asides/ resources of Pakistan including economy and ego. All those who love Pak land should take immediate action against the violation basic right to contest election from Pakistan. If esteemed and intelligent leader like Musharraf is placed leg behind, means we never recognize our ego and dignity.
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@Asif - Benzair spoke for over 3 hours in Liaquat Bagh without any incident. The government had arranged great security for her. I witnessed the arrangements. Police was on the streets blocking traffic similar to any head of state. All the immediate security around Benzair was hand picked by Rehman Malik. You should ask RM why there where the convoy of vehicles went that exited Liaquat Bagh with Benzir's vehicle. She was in a bomb proof vehicle and all others in the vehicle walked away unscathed. It was only when she decided or was urged by someone to emerge from the vehicle that she exposed herself, thereby violating security protocols. If you recall anytime the government back then would request her to not engage in risky behavior such as engaging street supporters, she would accuse the government of over hyping the security concerns to rig the election. In Pakistan, it seems facts get distorted.
"The spokesperson said the party leader would visit the valley at any cost, saying that security is the responsibility of the government."
Where was the security when Benazir came to Pakistan? If the same is true for Musharraf, then shouldn't he be tried for not providing security to the Ex-Prime Minister while he was in government?
It is so amazing that how people of Chitral love General Musharraf.. this is just the picture of his one constituency, there are several people who are extreme admirer of Pervez Musharraf. They know that Musharraf is one fine leader ever produced by Pakistan. Only those who has threat the general will put a cap on corruption will go against him.