PPP and PML-Q stretch muscles for Gilgit-Baltistan polls

ISLAMABAD, Sep 28: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) are stretching their muscles for giving each other tough time in upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections. The maiden elections after implementation of Presidential Reforms Package for Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly; previously called Northern Areas Legislative Assembly (NALA), would be held on November 12, 2009 under supervision of the court.

 

Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of total 33 seats out of which 24 members are directly elected while three seats are reserved for technocrats and six for women.

 

With October 1st as last date for filing the nomination papers, both PPP and PML-Q have started receiving significant number of applications from aspirants across the region.

 

Sayed Mehdi Shah, President of PPP Gilgit-Baltistan told APP on Monday that their party has so far received applications with an average of five to six candidates per constituency. Even at some places the number was as higher as eight applications per constituency, he added.

 

Shah said Peoples Party has decided to field its candidates in 22 constituencies out of 24 while two remote constituencies would skipped due to shortage of time and ensure focused run for the potential seats.

 

“Well, we have accepted the challenge. We are on the field to contest and win. Our workers, leaders and supporters struggling hard with optimism and higher morale,” he said.

 

When asked about alleged administrative interference, Shah negated the accusations saying that his party was relying upon public power instead of state power as they have huge vote bank in the northern hilly region.

 

“Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had favors on Gilgit-Baltistan people. And now President Asif Ali Zardari-led government has taken mega step for our empowerment and development. I am sure northern region people would not let PPP down,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, MNA Marvi Memon, who is also PML’s incharge for Gilgit-Baltistan, claimed that her party had more strong candidates than Peoples Party and it was going to field candidates across the 24 constituencies.

 

“Position of PML-Q stalwarts is stronger. We hope to regain our previous majority on November 14 when official election results would be announced,” she said.

 

The MNA said she herself visited the area thrice during month of Ramadan while the top PML central leadership was also scheduled to visit the Gilgit-Baltistan to buck-up its candidates during electioneering.

 

“Surely performance will make the difference and our track record speaks louder than us as PML had undertaken mega development in the region,” she claimed.-APP