Opposition alliance in K-P protests against ‘historic’ rigging in LG polls

The rally was attended by Asfandyar Wali, Maulana Fazalur Rehman and PPP's Raja Parvez Ashraf

PESHAWAR: The tripartite alliance in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa comprising Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP), which called for a political rally against alleged rigging in the recently held local government elections, gathered on Tuesday at the Soekarno Chowk, Peshawar and vowed to continue the protest till the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government was dislodged.

The rally was attended by ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman and former prime minister and PPP General Secretary Raja Parvez Ashraf.

PHOTO: MOHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS

The resolution presented at the start of the rally said the K-P government was involved in ‘historical rigging’ in the provincial LG polls, as well as the death of several political workers. It demanded the release of all political workers and withdrawal of cases against Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Mufti Gauhar, among other leaders and workers.

The resolution drafted by the tripartite alliance available with The Express Tribune

Read: Violence in LG polls: ECP faults K-P for security lapses during vote

Meanwhile, a letter shared with media said the K-P government did not want this political gathering to take place, arguing that the area where the rally was scheduled was one where numerous terror attacks had taken place, and thus it would be difficult for the law enforcers to maintain security.

While speaking on the occasion, Mian Iftikhar said their party stood despite several attacks and the letter could not sabotage such a huge gathering.

The letter available with The Express Tribune

The PTI had streaked ahead of its political rivals in K-P’s local government elections against the backdrop of violent clashes, mismanagement and inadequate security measures. But its opponents raised a red flag over the fairness of the poll, accusing the ruling party in K-P of rigging.