Pindi politics: Home is where the Haveli is
In a bid to attract youth votes, the AML chief highlights his alliance with PTI.
File photo of AML chief Sheikh Rashid. PHOTO: AGENCIES
ISLAMABAD:
The Lal Haveli is in the limelight again, and the evergreen Shaikh Rashid loves every minute of it.
The chief of the Awami Muslim League, who is campaigning for Rawalpindi’s NA-55 seat, is not just going door-to-door but is also addressing around 15 to 20 poll rallies a day. To try and bring over the youth to his side, he is banking on the PTI factor – something he mentions in every public speech.
“The people want change now and therefore my party and PTI are campaigning for the same purpose together,” he said.
While the outcome of the elections is still in doubt, he is sure that they will take place. “No matter how bad the situation gets, elections will be held,” he said with his trademark confidence.
Another thing he is certain about is the Army’s continued role.
“Army is a fact in this country,” he said in his aggressive style. “The army is now with democracy and the democratic set-up, and this is a positive development.”
He remains as blunt as ever. Discussing poll strategy among his supporters at the second floor of the Lal Haveli he said, “People of my constituency (NA-55) will not repeat previous mistakes this time by sending a ‘donkey’ to the assembly.” Still, it is clear that the PML-N’s popularity concerns him, and his speeches are full of attacks against them.
Predicting poll results, Rashid said that no one party can make the government this time, but that it does not mean change will not come.
“Youth will not spare us if we fail to bring change this time,” he said.
In his address at Zia Colony he told voters that he will complete unfinished projects and that he will do his best for the welfare of the people and for the betterment of the area.
“If I do not succeed this time in bringing change then I will never ask for your votes again,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2013.
The Lal Haveli is in the limelight again, and the evergreen Shaikh Rashid loves every minute of it.
The chief of the Awami Muslim League, who is campaigning for Rawalpindi’s NA-55 seat, is not just going door-to-door but is also addressing around 15 to 20 poll rallies a day. To try and bring over the youth to his side, he is banking on the PTI factor – something he mentions in every public speech.
“The people want change now and therefore my party and PTI are campaigning for the same purpose together,” he said.
While the outcome of the elections is still in doubt, he is sure that they will take place. “No matter how bad the situation gets, elections will be held,” he said with his trademark confidence.
Another thing he is certain about is the Army’s continued role.
“Army is a fact in this country,” he said in his aggressive style. “The army is now with democracy and the democratic set-up, and this is a positive development.”
He remains as blunt as ever. Discussing poll strategy among his supporters at the second floor of the Lal Haveli he said, “People of my constituency (NA-55) will not repeat previous mistakes this time by sending a ‘donkey’ to the assembly.” Still, it is clear that the PML-N’s popularity concerns him, and his speeches are full of attacks against them.
Predicting poll results, Rashid said that no one party can make the government this time, but that it does not mean change will not come.
“Youth will not spare us if we fail to bring change this time,” he said.
In his address at Zia Colony he told voters that he will complete unfinished projects and that he will do his best for the welfare of the people and for the betterment of the area.
“If I do not succeed this time in bringing change then I will never ask for your votes again,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2013.