Naveed Miraj
It is unfortunate that every elections in Pakistan either general or local bodies are marred by controversies and allegations of rigging. Therefore the very reaction of the PTI which suffered an embarrassing defeat in local government elections of Karachi is not surprising at all for most of the people who in fact have become accustomed to such responses of the losing political parties.
Defeat indeed is not digestible for anybody but in our country it is more bitter, painful and unacceptable for the political parties as there is still a long way to go for them to come of age.
The PTI was being anticipated to perform much better and give a tough time to the rival political parties especially the PPP in Karachi local government elections given the popularity wave it had been riding across the country ever since its ouster from the center last year.
The Karachi chapter of PTI was also relying on the charisma of its Chairman Imran Khan. However, the local bodies’ elections have its own dimensions and only those parties manage to pull victories which have presence at the grassroots level.
The very elections have exposed the very weaknesses of the PTI as well as the election outcome also demonstrates that the people of Karachi have taken their revenge from the party for ignoring them when they were power in the center.
Before the 2018 elections, the top leadership of PTI including Imran Khan had made big promises to address the problems of the metropolitan city.
Reposing confidence in them, the Karachiites voted in favor of the party and helped it secure fourteen seats of National Assembly from the city which otherwise was considered to be the power hub of MQM. After coming to power, the party paid little attention to fulfill those promises. Some announcements were made but those remained only on the papers with no change on the ground.
Whilst the allegations of rigging cannot be completely ruled out and the Election Commission has also taken notice of them but securing third number in the polls clearly suggest the people of Karachi were disappointed with the PTI.
Instead of hiding behind the rigging allegations and engaging with clashes with the workers of rival parties, the PTI must review its conduct that is only adding to political uncertainty and instability.
If the party wants to produce good results from the constituencies of Karachi in the general elections, it will have to strengthen its presence at the grassroots level besides will have to exhibit seriousness to live up to the expectations of the people.
