Tall claims, early predictions: PTI workers running as independents asked to withdraw candidatures

General secretary is confident the party will make a ‘clean sweep’ on Election Day.

NOWSHERA: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central General Secretary Pervez Khan Khattak on Sunday asked all party workers contesting as independents to withdraw their candidatures and support their leaders.  Otherwise the party leadership will take disciplinary action against them, said the PTI leader.

Khattak, who is contesting elections from NA-5 Nowshera-I and PK-13, requested all party workers begin preparations for Imran Khan’s rally in the district on May 4. This was said at a corner meeting held at District President Jamshiduddin Kakakhel’s house. NA-6 candidate, Siraj Muhammad Khan, and other party workers were also present on the occasion.

“Imran Khan has taken notice of PTI workers who are competing as independent candidates, particularly those from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) who are violating party rules. This is their last warning to withdraw from the race,” stated Khattak.



He urged all party workers to unite behind candidates who are running under the party’s banner as the party was confident it would sweep the polls, particularly in K-P, come Election Day.

“People need to vote for PTI on May 11 to bring real change in the country.”

“Once the PTI comes to power, they will end the energy crisis, improve employment opportunities, end the ongoing war on terror and get rid of dictates from the US. The PTI believes in the process of dialogue and soon there will be prosperity in the country,” asserted Khattak.

The central general secretary told participants PTI Chairman Imran Khan would speak to party workers on May 4. The party has created various committees to handle all arrangements for the rally.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2013.

lawyers further claimed it is a must for the federal or provincial government to file a written complaint prior to holding proceedings against Afridi.

 

“Our client has not been given the opportunity to present his defence, which is contrary to his rights,” asserted Samiullah Afridi, one of Afridi’s lawyers, adding their case is strong since the government had not initiated any proceedings against their client.

After being allowed a meeting with his sisters in August 2012 at Central Jail Peshawar, Afridi has since been barred from meeting his family. The move came following a controversial interview aired by Fox News in which Afridi reportedly claimed he was being tortured by the ISI. The interview, however, was later termed baseless by the government.

Dr Afridi’s longstanding appeal against his conviction is likely to be decided on Thursday since FCR Commissioner Sahibzada Anees reserved his judgment on April 25.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2013.