ANP to field candidates in all parts of Sindh

The party remains undeterred by the growing TTP threat.

KARACHI: Undeterred by the growing threats from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Sindh chapter of Awami National Party (ANP) announced on Sunday its candidates for the National Assembly and provincial assembly seats.

The names were announced at a crowded press conference held by ANP’s provincial chief Senator Shahi Syed at his residence, Mardan House. Shahi Syed said that it was the first time that his party will field candidates in all parts of Sindh. A total of 17 names for the National Assembly and 36 for the provincial assembly seats in Sindh were announced.

Throughout his speech, Syed continued to criticise the law enforcement agencies for not taking serious measures to ensure a peaceful environment for political parties to run their campaigns.

“We have not seen the traditional enthusiasm for the upcoming polls because of growing threats while law enforcers only offer lip service instead of abolishing no-go areas and dealing with the militants with an iron hand.”



The ANP chief said that the precarious law and order situation and threats to ANP members has reduced their campaigns to corner meetings and door-to-door politicking. “TTP threatens families with whom we meet and ask for vote and demand Rs200,000 as penalty for allowing ANP candidates in their house.”

Shahi Syed said the party’s members have handed over a dozen cell phone numbers from which they have received threats but not a single suspect has been traced as yet. “Despite the threats and dangers that we face, police protection has been withdrawn.”

Syed said that all candidates will start their campaigns with small rallies in their respective constituencies and take part in the elections at all cost. “We want to test our people. We want to see whether they will vote for the militants or are the true followers of Bacha Khan. We don’t care whether we lose or win.”

Syed was unequivocal in his dislike for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) when he said that their doors were open for all except MQM when it came to political bargaining.

According to the announcement, party general secretary Bashir Jan will contest elections for PS-93 and former MPA Amanullah Mehsud will again contest from PS-128 (Landhi).

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2013.