The upcoming Islamabad municipal elections are set to witness a fierce contest as Barrister Gohar Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed unwavering confidence in the party’s ability to secure a “clean sweep.”
Addressing the media outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday, Barrister Gohar made a strong appeal to PTI candidates, urging them to submit their nomination papers in large numbers, reinforcing the party’s determination to dominate the elections in the capital city.
Barrister Gohar’s bold declaration of a clean sweep underlines PTI’s robust strategy and belief in their widespread support across Islamabad.
He emphasized that the party’s participation in the municipal elections is not just a formality but a critical step towards consolidating PTI’s influence in the region. “We are not just participating; we are here to win.
The people of Islamabad trust PTI, and we are confident that they will once again choose us to lead them,” Gohar stated, reflecting the party’s optimistic outlook.
The PTI chairman did not shy away from discussing recent legal developments that have stirred political debates.
Expressing his disappointment with a recent Supreme Court decision concerning four constituencies, Barrister Gohar highlighted what he perceives as a lack of attention to PTI’s legitimate concerns.
“Unfortunately, our concerns were not heard. Our valid votes were rejected without due consideration, and there was no prior request for a recount in NA-79. We hope that the Election Commission will now address these issues with the seriousness they deserve,” he remarked, underscoring the party’s grievances over the electoral process.
This discontent stems from a ruling made by the Supreme Court on August 13, which overturned a previous Lahore High Court (LHC) order.
The LHC had allowed a recount of votes in three National Assembly and one Punjab Assembly constituencies, a move that had been requested by the runner-up candidates of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The recount request was approved by the ECP, only for the decision to be contested by PTI-backed candidates in the LHC.
Although the High Court sided with PTI by annulling the ECP’s decision, the ruling was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court, where a three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, took up the case.
Barrister Gohar’s comments reflect PTI’s broader concerns over the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, particularly in the face of what they see as politically motivated recounts.
His criticism did not stop at the judiciary, as he also took aim at the recent relief measures in electricity prices announced in Punjab, labeling them as insufficient and short-sighted.
“The relief in electricity prices is merely a temporary fix. It is being funded by diverting money from vital development projects, which is not a sustainable solution. Electricity prices should be reduced across the board and on a permanent basis,” Gohar asserted, drawing attention to the broader economic challenges faced by the population.
As the Islamabad municipal elections draw nearer, Barrister Gohar’s remarks set the stage for a highly contested and closely watched political battle.
PTI’s confidence in a sweeping victory reflects the party’s belief in its strong voter base in the capital, and its readiness to challenge any hurdles that may arise during the electoral process.
With a clear focus on securing a decisive win, PTI is poised to rally its supporters in Islamabad, aiming to translate its national presence into local governance success.
The Islamabad municipal elections will not only be a test of PTI’s organizational strength but also a crucial indicator of the party’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Pakistan.
As Barrister Gohar’s statements resonate among the party’s ranks and supporters, all eyes will be on Islamabad to see whether PTI can indeed achieve the clean sweep it so confidently predicts.
