Expresses concern over ECP’s restriction on providing voters transportation. PHOTO: FILE
PESHAWAR:
Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) provincial chapter has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of the party’s campaign banners and flags being removed across the city.
“Those removing PPP flags and banners fear the party’s popularity,” PPP leader and candidate for PK-2 Peshawar-II, Syed Zahir Ali Shah said during a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Saturday.
He said party workers have been directed not to respond to the provocation, remain calm and continue campaigning. “The PPP flags are being removed and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) flags are being installed,” he alleged.
In response to a question, Shah said the PPP will continue its campaign despite threats, adding the party is also holding corner meetings.
Commenting on the restriction to allow transportation to voters, he said the elections would not go well. “It is our view that by providing transportation, there will be an increase in voters’ turnout.”
Women in particular might face difficulties without proper transportation, he said. “In a day or two, we will raise the issue with the ECP again to allow transporting voters to polling stations.”
At the occasion, Qaumi Watan Party’s (QWP) provincial information secretary Malik Zarawar Khan announced his decision to join the PPP. Shah welcomed Malik Zarawar into the party.
Earlier, PPP’s Peshawar President Zulfiqar Afghani had alleged the provincial caretaker government could not be trusted and said no action has been taken by the authorities despite party flags being removed.
Afghani claimed the police was not playing an impartial role and accused the station house officer (SHO) of Yakatoot police of arresting a PPP worker a couple of days ago for no reason. “ECP should inquire into the matter as some quarters are deliberately sabotaging the peaceful environment before elections,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 5th, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ