JI the only religious party contesting polls
Pakistan
RAWALPINDI: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) is the only religious political party which is participating in the cantonment board elections.
The JI fielded eight candidates for the 20 seats of Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment boards. However, other religious parties opted to support the PML-N or independent candidates.
The PML-Q, which ruled Punjab and the centre from 2002 to 2008, has neither fielded any candidate nor supported any party or individual. “The party is in a deep trouble as its local leaders have either joined the PML-N or PTI. On the other hand, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has formed his own Muslim League,” said a local leader of PML-Q on the condition of anonymity.
He said the PML-Q local leader Hamid Nawaz Raja also made up his mind to join the PTI and would announce his decision after the cantonment elections.
Interestingly, Tehreek-i-Nafaz Fiqa Jafaria (TNFJ)’s political cell also announced support to the ruling PML-N.
“Chaudhry Tanveer and MNA Malik Abrar visited the offices of TNFJ political cell and held a meeting with its district representative Malik Shaukat Awan. After the meeting, the TNFJ announce its support,” said TNFJ spokesman Syed Qamar Abbas while talking to Dawn.
He said the TNFJ was not taking part in active politics and had asked its workers to support the PML-N in the cantonment elections.
On the other hand, JUI-F local leader Attiqur Rehman said his party supported the PML-N and in some areas the local candidates. He said the party could not fully participate in the elections.
Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2015
On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play
