Security Issues Acknowledged; Elections to be Held on February 8: Solangi
Minister emphasized that mere discussions are insufficient to resolve issues; the nation must address harsh realities.
ISLAMABAD: The vigilant Federal Information Minister Murtaza Solangi emphasizes that the government is cognizant of security challenges and is actively working to address them. However, he assures that the elections will proceed as scheduled on February 8.
Speaking at a seminar on the 2024 elections, Solangi stated that the Election Commission has already taken charge of conducting the elections. The government is committed to facilitating the Election Commission, and there is a collaborative effort between the caretaker government and the Election Commission.
Solangi stressed the need for economic improvement and emphasized that the focus should be on the relationship between politics, the economy, and prosperity. He highlighted the economic challenges, stating that the country has been operating primarily on loans. He urged political parties to formulate strategies for economic growth, asserting that the real battle lies in the realms of the economy and finances.
Addressing the media outside the Election Commission, Solangi redirected inquiries about PTI-related matters, suggesting that the PTI itself can provide better insights. He underscored the Election Commission’s responsibility to conduct free, fair, impartial, and transparent elections, affirming that the caretaker government is constitutionally and legally aligned with the Election Commission.
Solangi acknowledged the genuine security issues and assured that concerted efforts are being made to improve the security situation. He expressed confidence that, Insha’Allah, the elections will proceed as planned on February 8.
The Federal Information Minister emphasized that mere discussions are insufficient to resolve issues; the nation must address harsh realities. He called for avoiding fake news and false narratives, stating that the real challenges lie in healthcare and education. Solangi concluded by urging citizens to refrain from playing politics with the country’s future, emphasizing the need to focus on critical issues rather than being swayed by promises of free electricity and political maneuvers.”
Displeased Daniyal Aziz announces to contest polls against PML-N from Narowal
A displeased Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Daniyal Aziz, who was left out amid the party’s ticket distribution, will contest the much-anticipated general elections as an independent candidate.
The politician, speaking during an interview to a private television channel, confirmed he would contest the February 8 polls from the NA-75 constituency in his hometown Narowal, where the PML-N has instead fielded Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq.
More From Daily The Destination: Bilawal optimistic for justice, sees opportunity to rectify historical wrongs
Out of the two National Assembly and four provincial assembly seats, the party has not issued a single ticket to the veteran politico. Daniyal, on the other hand, said he did not apply for the ticket as he was hospitalised.
“I will contest from NA-75,” he said.
When asked if he would compete against not just other political parties but also his party PML-N, the politician said: “Yes, that’s right.”
Daniyal revealed that he had not spoken with anyone among the party about getting the party ticket. “I will definitely fight the election, my mission is to end inflation.”
His wife, too, will contest the polls as an independent candidate, he said.
The politician’s relations with his party turned sour following his rift with fellow politico Ahsan Iqbal, who also hails from Narowal.
In November last year, Daniyal fired a broadside at Iqbal, saying that PML-N’s reputation was severely damaged due to his failure to control the inflation during the last Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led coalition government.
He questioned why the former planning minister could not control record-breaking inflation when he was the chairman of the Price Monitoring Committee.
Following his remarks against a colleague, the party issued a show-cause notice to Daniyal and asked him to clarify his statement within seven days.
Meanwhile, the politician today said that the PML-N has given the ticket to an “unknown man” who does not belong to the party, while he has been left out for speaking in the public’s favour.
“Power politics is at play. Those who are old have asserted themselves. They have become stubborn,” the former minister said.
He added that the most important issue for the people is inflation. “I will contest the election, as inflation has to be eliminated.”
The politician said if he receives such treatment from his party for speaking against inflation, then he has no regrets.
“I will continue to talk about inflation. If there is a reward for those who are responsible for the fraud, then so be it,” he added.
