Bhati Gate: Lack of probity made PTI man enter politics

PML-N’s candidate rejects allegations

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI’s) candidate for the chairmanship of Bhati Gate Union Council-37 says he was compelled to stand against his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) rival in the forthcoming local government due to the paucity of probity in public life.

Haji Shabbir Ahmed, the CFO of a private firm, said he was a novice when it came to politics. He said he had not been previously affiliated with the PTI. Ahmed said he was only contesting from its platform due to its commitment to change. He said his supporters had pressed him to contest the elections on the basis of development works executed by him in the area. Ahmed said he also rendered free event management services in the area. A PTI supporter told The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity that the PML-N had gotten polling stations established in areas of its choice. He said one of these was deliberately set up in the red-light area. He said Thathi Malahan and Mohalla Samian residents, the majority of whom were PTI supporters, desisted from frequenting the area.



PML-N’s Chaudhry Hafeez Pappa told The Express Tribune he was previously elected councillor in 2001 and 2005 from the party’s platform. He rejected the allegation regarding the party having influenced the setting up of polling stations. Pappa said his rivals were indulging in practices that were part and parcel of every electoral contest. The aspiring chairman, who runs an eatery, said he had always strived to serve the people. He said they had always rewarded him with their support in return.

The total number of voters in the UC stands at 15,151. The UC encompasses Mohalla Samian, Thathi Malahan, Androon Bhati Gate, Bazaar-i-Hakiman, Mohalla Chomala, Bogi Mohalla, Tabaila Sheikhan, Mohalla Islam Khan, and Androon Taxali Gate.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2015.