PTI to contest election despite reservations: Imran
27 July, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday announced that his party's candidate would take part in the presidential election fixed for July 30 despite reservations over the rescheduling of the poling date.
Addressing a press conference at the PTI Secretariat, Imran Khan said that after a consultation process his party had reached a conclusion not to leave the field open for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate by boycotting the poll.
"Though I have serious reservations the way the (presidential) election was rescheduled, we have decided to take part in the election as we don't want to leave an open goal for the ruling party," said Imran.
Flanked by PTI candidate Justice (r) Wajihuddin Ahmed and others, Imran Khan said that the candidates had been given very little time for canvassing and they were not provided level-playing field. He said that the PPP and PTI candidates had not been given proper time for preparation but the decision to take part in the election was aimed at keeping the democratic traditions.
Imran said that Justice (r) Wajihuddin was the most appropriate candidate for the presidential slot as he had made great sacrifices but he did not accept dictatorship by refusing to take oath under the PCO.
The PTI chief also expressed gratitude towards the Jamaat-e-Islami for extending support to the PTI nominee, adding that the decision to take part in the election process was made after through consensus. He said that it seemed that neutral umpires had not been appointed for presidential election.
Responding to a question whether the PTI had decided to play the role of "friendly opposition" by not boycotting the poll, Imran Khan said that rather those who opted for boycott had played as friendly opposition.
Imran reiterated his stance that the election results of at least four constituencies of May 11 election should be cross-examined and the votes should be verified through thumb-expression.
Justice (r) Wajihuddin Ahmed said that by deciding not to boycott the presidential election, Imran Khan had taken a statesman-like decision. He said that this decision is in the larger interest of the country. He alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had not provided level-playing field to all the candidates taking part in the election for the Presidency.
Meanwhile, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) announced unconditional support to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) candidate for the presidential election, on Friday.
This was stated by MQM Rabita Committee Deputy Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqi while talking to media after a meeting with the PML-N delegation at his party's headquarter Nine-Zero, Azizabad.
Earlier, a delegation of the PML-N led by Federal Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a meeting with the MQM leaders. The N-League delegation which comprised Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Federal Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, PML-N's candidate for presidential election Mamnoon Hussain, other PML leaders Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Nihal Hashmi and Saleem Zia arrived at Nine-Zero.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Ishaq Dar said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced that corruption will not be allowed. He said the MQM leadership has agreed with the principles of the PML-N about eliminating corruption and putting Pakistan on the path of progress and making its future enlightened.
The PML-N candidate for Presidency, Mamnoon Hussain, expressed gratitude to the MQM for announcing unconditional support to him in the presidential run. He said if he got elected as president of the country, he will not represent any single party, instead he will be the president of each and every countryman. He said he belongs to Karachi and he will also pay special attention to resolution of the problems of Sindh, especially Karachi.
The PML-N delegation was accorded a very warm welcome by MQM leaders Abdul Rasheed Godial, Babar Khan Ghauri and others on its arrival at Nine-Zero.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan was also present on the occasion. Talking to media, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqi said the MQM has announced unconditional support for the presidential candidate of the PML-N and it expects that the present government will make all-out efforts to eliminate poverty and illiteracy and cope with the economic crisis. He said MQM chief Altaf Hussain has also made it clear that there should be zero tolerance on corruption.
Dr Khalid Maqbool also prayed for continuity of democracy in the country.
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