Political games: Upset with PPP, Lyari looks towards PTI

PPP leaders say a few people switching sides will not affect their support base.

KARACHI: The residents of Lyari have become increasingly disgruntled with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership due to the ongoing operation in the neighbourhood and are showing support for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), The Express Tribune has learnt.

These new wishes of the Lyari residents came to the front when a large number of them made an appearance at one of the PTI sit-ins on Sea View earlier this week. During the 2013 general elections, PTI was the second largest party to emerge from Lyari as it managed to secure those votes that were considered 'silent'.

However, PPP leaders have denied they are feeling the pressure. "No, we are not going to join PTI," MNA Shahjahan Baloch told The Express Tribune. "There is no pressure from any side but from the general public who are not happy with the ongoing operation," he explained.

Meanwhile, sources said that the PPP leadership is unhappy with the participation of the Lyari residents in the PTI sit-in. It was also learnt that a few of the local PPP office bearers, including Adnan Baloch, who contested the PS-111 seat from Lyari, have been suspended.

"The party has taken aggressive action against Adnan," claimed a PPP leader from Lyari, who wished not be named. "Why should we continue our support to the PPP?" he asked. "There is huge pressure from the public. We have to decide whether we are with the people or with the party."

PPP Karachi division general secretary Najmi Alam admitted that they have taken action against Adnan Baloch. But the PPP will not be disturbed if a few people decide to join PTI, he said. "Lyari is still a PPP stronghold," he added.

As far as the residents are concerned, they feel they should have a say in the party they support. "There are people who support Imran Khan but that does not mean decisions should be imposed over the people," said a young man from Nawa Lane, Muhammad Shakir.

Another man standing outside a paan shop near Aath Chowk, Sheraz Baloch, claimed he was already supporting the PTI. "I cast my vote in favour of the PTI and will be happy if the party takes more interest in Lyari," he said.

But there were others who were loyal PPP supporters. "Those who are joining the PTI are not part of Lyari," claimed Abdullah Khan who lives near Mirza Adam Khan Road. "A majority of the people still support the PPP and, if you see any anger, it is all because of the wrong policies of the [PPP] leadership," he explained.

The people who call the shots in Lyari are, however, hinting otherwise. "We'll join the PTI soon," claimed Habib Jan, the senior activist of the PPP and the convenor of Friends of Lyari, while talking to The Express Tribune. "Uzair Bhai [Peoples Amn Committee chief] is also on board on the issue," he added.

Habib recalled how the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz wanted Lyari to join their party before the May 2013 elections but they voted in favour of the PPP. "It was a big mistake," he said.

PTI has confirmed that Imran Khan will visit Lyari whenever he comes to the city, claimed Habib. "We are in contact with the PTI leadership and the PPP leadership is not happy with this decision," he said. "Why should we continue to support the PPP, which has always ignored its voters?"

The residents are, however, taking these developments with a pinch of salt. "There are not ideological but personal differences [between the PPP and the PAC men]," said a shopkeeper from Nayabad, Abdul Aziz Memon. "The politicians received the support of the criminals before the elections and now the criminals are trying to get the support of the politicians," he explained. "I don't think the PTI will get a warm welcome if such people join the party."

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2014.