Decisive defeat in Multan

PTI must inform its supporters precisely how it intends to deliver; what are its policies for the future

The loss of his traditional seat NA-149, Multan, marks one of the lowest point in Makhdoom Javed Hashmi’s chequered political career. In the by-poll necessitated after Mr Hashmi resigned from the National Assembly and later the PTI, some weeks ago, he was decisively defeated by independent candidate Amir Dogar, who bagged 52,321 votes against Hashmi’s 38,393. In 2013, Mr Dogar had received less than a quarter of Mr Hashmi’s 83,000-plus votes. Though contesting as an independent, Mr Dogar was backed by the PTI. The winds seem to be changing. Perhaps, people really want a change to the old order, and a new Pakistan that the PTI offers is however ironic that the very system that the PTI speaks against because of its corruption and poor performance has worked for the party in this case.



It is no surprise, of course, that people want something different. They have tolerated poor governance, neglect, corruption and the issues that stem from them for far too long. In such a scenario, change would be welcomed by most. This closely watched by-election has signalled just that, however, it must be noted that the PTI actually ended up retaining this seat as in 2013, Mr Hashmi won here after standing from the PTI’s platform.

The rulers need to take heed of what the voters are saying. At the same time, the PTI must also answer some pertinent questions. After his historic win, Mr Dogar announced, as expected, that he would be joining the PTI. But PTI MNAs have handed in their resignations from the National Assembly. Will Mr Dogar then be expected to do the same, even as he celebrates victory over a genuine political heavyweight? The PTI must decide what its strategy is. The resignation issue remains shrouded in confusion and clarity is needed here. Imran Khan and his party have now also received a clear signal. People, it appears, are willing to toss the past aside and look to the future. But the PTI, too, must tell them precisely how it intends to deliver; what are its policies for the future, what lies ahead and how the people’s desire for change is going to be of advantage in the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2014.

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