Karachi Political Diary.
Mubasher Mir
After the Tehreek-e-Insaf's election symbol "Bat" was taken away regarding the February 8 election, the election symbols allotted to the Tehreek-e-Insaf candidates also have an aspect of contempt. The candidates of Tehreek-e-Insaaf have to contest the elections as independents, but there are some electoral symbols that the Election Commission has included in its list, which are considered to be invalid, including shoes, tongs, etc.
When the Election Commission of Pakistan prepares the list of electoral symbols, it uses its own authority and does not get its approval from the political parties. The Election Commission conducts the elections to promote democracy, but it does not seek the opinion of political parties or the public before taking any decision.
The candidates of Tehreek-e-Insaaf are also seen to be facing this situation, they are broadcasting their messages on social media platforms, while the party has released videos to support voters and also introduced an app. Tehreek-e-Insaaf leaders in Karachi. has accused the MQM of attacking his election camp. His candidate for the National Assembly has also been injured. MQM is not giving any response in this regard, political parties should adopt an attitude of tolerance to each other.
Videos of MQM founder are going viral on social media in which he is seen supporting Imran Khan. While in a recent video message he has given a clear message to the Urdu speaking, migrant families not to vote for the incumbent MQM. These people cannot be your representatives, it is to be seen how much the people of Karachi attach importance to this message of founder MQM.
People's Party has camped in Punjab. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has held a meeting in Lahore, he has skillfully won the support of Minhaj-ul-Quran, Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Allama Tahir-ul-Qadri. His rally in Lahore Township has also been organized by Allama Tahir-ul-Qadri's team. People's Party was facing lack of workers in Punjab, their old comrades are now old, new people have joined the party less, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will have to work hard to impress the youth. In this election, they are trying to make up for its lack with the youth of Minhaj University. Up to one constituency they may benefit, but making the party organized and active in Lahore city is a big challenge. People's Party does not have any local leader in Lahore city who is popular among the people, as if there is a need to work afresh.
People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has released his manifesto, he has made ten promises to the people which are mostly based on welfare. But did not offer any formula to improve the country's economic woes. Pakistan as a state is facing an unprecedented economic crisis, People's Party is claiming to form the government. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should have presented a great economic plan to the nation but it has not happened yet.
Similarly, Muslim League-N, which has high expectations of getting the government, could not present its election manifesto. Maryam Nawaz Sharif is giving critical talks in the meetings but is unable to bring forward the program of the party. Mian Nawaz Sharif is also running a silent election campaign.
The MQM has accused the local bodies of People's Party and Jamaat-e-Islami of using the funds of local bodies in election campaigns in Sindh and Karachi. The Election Commission should take care not to start any new project till the election and not to make any announcement that could influence the election.
Caretaker Federal Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar has said that the economic figures are improving and confidence in the country's economic system is increasing. The money received from the IMF will improve the balance of payments.
The government of Pakistan has tried to curb imports so far, but increasing exports is essential. Even now many industrial units are not working. For this it is necessary to have arrangements to provide the raw materials required by the industry.
