Back in the game: APML wins two seats from Chitral

Opponent say contest is illegal as party had boycotted earlier.

CHITRAL:

Although the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) boycotted the elections, two candidates who went against the decision of the party’s general sectary, successfully bagged one National Assembly and one provincial assembly seat from Chitral.

The unofficial vote count revealed that Shehzada Iftikharuddin from the APML is leading from NA-32, while the party’s Haji Ghulam Muhammad candidate is leading from PK-90.

On May 3, APML General Secretary Dr Amjad had announced that no party candidates will participate in the 2013 elections. The Chitral chapter, however, rejected the decision saying they will not step back until party chief General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf tells them to boycott elections.

Talking to journalists in Chitral, Iftikharuddin said Musharraf never told them to boycott polls. He alleged that some workers in the party were trying to take the APML out of mainstream politics. “After winning, we have proved that the party still has a future in Pakistan,” adding Musharraf has done development work in the region and residents have shown their appreciation for his services.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate from NA-32 Abdul Latif deemed the election of APML members ‘illegal’.

Talking to journalists at the Chitral Press Club, PTI district president said when APML had boycotted elections it was against the law for their candidates to contest. “He (Shehzada Iftikharuddin) has violated rules set by the Election Commission (EC) thus the results of the polls should be suspended,” said Latif, adding he has sent a letter to the EC in Peshawar, asking them to immediately cancel the results  of the two seats.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2013.