Report: PTI's landslide in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by Zia Ur Rehman

Despite Taliban threats, voter turnout in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the May 11 elections was exceptionally high. And the results were surprising.

Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) emerged as the largest party in the province, winning 34 seats in the provincial assembly, and 17 seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the National Assembly, according to unofficial results.

PTI swept Peshawar and Nowshera, and also won in Swat, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Charsadda, Hangu, Swabi, Abottabad and Haripur. A majority of the party's provincial legislators are inexperienced, having never been elected to the parliament before. "The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recognized PTI's efforts in drawing international attention to the US drone strikes," said Abdul Quayyum Kundi, a party leader in the southern districts of the province.

A number of veteran political leaders lost to younger, lesser known candidates of the increasingly popular Tehrik-e-Insaaf, including Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Arbab Alamgir, Amir Muqam and Sardar Mehtab Abbasi - prominent leaders of their parties. Syed Zahir Shah, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Aqil Shah, Kiramatullah Chagarmati, and Pir Sabir Shah also lost. The Bilour family backed by the Awami National Party (ANP) and the Arbabs of Peshawar who belong to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the ANP, were also ousted by the PTI.

A number of veteran politicians lost to younger, lesser known candidates of the increasingly popular Tehrik-e-Insaaf

Political analysts say the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have elected a new party in every election in the last 20 years - the PPP in 1993, the Pakistan Muslim Leagie-Nawaz (PML-N) in 1997, the MMA in 2002, the ANP in 2008, and the PTI in 2013. "Some would say the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are vibrant," said Imtiaz Ali, a Washington-based analyst who monitors the province's politics. "If they are not satisfied with a party's performance, they do not vote for it the second time." For Abdul Quayyum Kundi, that means the PTI will have to ensure impeccable service delivery to satisfy its voters if it wants to get elected again.

The use of mainstream and social media helped the Tehrik-e-Insaaf's popularity, analysts say. Political observers also say the ANP and the PPP leadership were cut off from the people because they could not hold public meetings due to security fears. That sent the voters away to the PTI, which campaigned freely in the absence of threats by the Taliban.

"The PTI had easier access to people in the run-up to the elections because of their softer views on Taliban," said Sardar Ahmed Yousafzai, a Swat-based political analyst. "Imran Khan organized large rallies across the province while the ANP and the PPP leaders were confined to their homes because of Taliban attacks."

PTI's first and foremost challenge will be militancy

Some analysts see the success of the PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as reminiscent of the victory of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) in the province in the 2002 elections. The situation in Afghanistan played a key role on both occasions, they say. During the party's electoral campaign and before it, Imran Khan was accused of exploiting religious sentiments of people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised to stop drone attacks in the tribal areas, and stop supporting the US in the war in Afghanistan.

Others see a conspiracy by the establishment. One ANP leader said it "engineered" the elections, and the attacks on his party were a deliberate attempt to keep them out of the parliament. Imtiaz Ali said there had been "endless discussions" on such theories.

Sardar Ahmed Yousafzai said the ANP had no strategy to counter the growing influence of the PTI in the province, especially among the youth. "They were depending on older and more traditional politicians, and did not adopt new tools of politics, especially the television and the social media." Analysts say both the ANP and the PPP have the capacity to rise again, because they do have roots in the masses.

Fazlur Rehman's faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) is the second biggest winner, after it was able to counter the PTI's increasing influence in its southern strongholds. "Out votes increased by 150 percent," claimed Jan Muhammad Achakzai, a spokesman of the party, adding that it was the ANP, the PPP and the PML-N that had suffered because of PTI's rise. He claimed a "clean sweep" from Lakki Marwat to Dera Ismail Khan, while also accusing the administration of supporting the Saifullahs and the Kundis of the PPP. "We won seats from areas like Buner, Charsadda, Battagram, Swat and Chitral." He also said the elections had been engineered by "the boys" who had favored the ANP in 2008, and that his party demanded re-polling in 10 constituencies.

Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), led by Aftab Sherpao, secured one national and seven provincial seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Jamaat-e-Islami won three national and seven provincial seats. The PML-N was able to protect some of its strongholds in Hazara division and Shangla district.

Set to form a government in the province, Imran Khan has named Pervaiz Khattak as the party's parliamentary leader, which means he will be a candidate for chief minister. The PTI is talking to Jamaat-e-Islami and the QWP to form a coalition.

In the 99-member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, the PTI has 34 seats, the JUI-F has 16, the PML-N 12, the ANP has five, the JI and the QWP have seven each, and the PPP has two. Thirteen members of the provincial assembly are independent.

Although a number of leaders of the PML-N have announced they will allow the PTI to form a government in the province, the JUI-F is busy trying to cobble an alliance of its own. Its leader Fazlur Rehman also called PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif with a proposal to form a coalition government, according to news reports.

The new PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will have a number of challenges to face right at the outset. "These challenges include ensuring peace, the return of internally displaced people to their homes, economic problems, local governments, the development of the southern districts, and law and order," said Abdul Quayyum Kundi.

But analysts say that the first and the foremost challenge would be militancy. "The PTI has a very simplistic view of the militancy in the tribal regions," said Imtiaz Ali in Washington. "The problem is very complex and it can't be resolved only by negotiations as they say."

The writer is a journalist and researcher. Email: zia_red@hotmail.com andTwitter: @zalmayzia

Establishment of peace, top priority of JUI-F: Fazalur Rehman

PESHAWAR: Central Ameer Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam (JUI)-F, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman Wednesday said that establishment of peace is on the top of our priority list and focus would be made to steer the country out of existing crisis.

Expressing views in a party meeting at district Charsadda, the JUIF Chairman said that we are not interested in portfolios rather progress and prosperity of the country is our priority.

He said that we would fulfill pledges made to public during elections and strive in a best possible way to come to the expectations of people. He said that we would perform a positive role for the establishment of welfare Islamic states.

Maulana ruled out any compromise on sovereignty of the country and said that JUIF would follow a course to achieve its objectives and would not desist from a sacrifice for the greater interest of people and country.

The meeting besides others was attended by Haji Hanifullah Hasrat, Maulana Jameel Ahmad, Maulana Abdul Wakeel, Haji Akhtar Munir, Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Jan, Malik Haji Amanullah, Haji Pir Mehboob Alam and Maulana Zubair Jan.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013

Imran Khan addresses a rally in Islamabad at D-Chowk

ISLAMABAD: The injured Chairman of Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan was addressing rally here at Islamabad’s D-Chowk via video link lying on the bed of his room at Shaukat Khanum Memorial hospital, Lahore.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, Imran Khan has appealed the public to come out of their homes on May 11th and vote for the “Change”.

Imran Khan said that May 11th is the day to decide for the better future of children. People should vote for his party to bring change in the country.

“Allah Almighty will not let him die until he accomplishes the goal of making Quaid’s Pakistan and called upon the nation to reject the status quo on May 11″, Imran Khan said.

Imran Khan falls off stage at Lahore rally; sustains serious injuries

TV footage showed him tumbling down along with three or four personal body guards on a pick up truck. The PTI chief was seen bleeding when he was taken away by his party supporters to the city’s Liberty Hospital. 

The 60-year-old, who has undertaken a punishing schedule of daily rallies but who is known for his physical fitness, tumbled from a riser along with several of his staff, seemingly after one of them lost their balance.

Witness Raza Zaidi told AFP that Khan was being lifted on a crane with five people but lost his balance and fell when a sixth one tried to climb up. Khan hit the lifter before falling on the ground.

Khan sustained injuries on his head and back, said the hospital sources. They also said that Khan had to have as many as 16 stitches due to the injuries he sustained at back of his head.

The rally was held near Ghalib Market in Lahore’s Gulberg neighbourhood.

PTI spokeswoman Shirin Mazari told AFP Khan was injured on his forehead after falling from a height of more than seven feet (over two metres), but was conscious.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz issued sympathetic statements to their competitor in Punjab. They prayed for swift recovery of Khan.

Sharif, in rare goodwill gesture, has asked his party workers to immediately halt the media advertisements against Imran Khan.

Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain and Allama Tahirul Qadri also showed sympathy towards the PTI chief and prayed for his well being.
Famous singer and PTI leader Abrarul Haq has said the party chief is out of danger and stable now at the hospital. Another party leader Asad Umar, talking to Dawn.com, also confirmed that Khan is now conscious and well.
People at the rally venue, where thousands had gathered, expressed sadness.
“Passion and love for Imran Khan brought all these people here. We are still here, all we can do is pray now,” said Sobia Khan, a PTI supporter.  Dawn.Com

10 reasons why PTI has my vote

10 reasons why PTI has my vote

Pakistanis from all walks of life reveal a genuine fervour for voting for PTI. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

I have never voted for anything in my life, yet on May 11, 2013, I will cast my vote for the first time in the upcoming general elections of Pakistan and that too for Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) political party.
In my home city of Karachi, conversations with Pakistani citizens from all walks of life, such as rickshaw and taxi drivers, store vendors, bakers, mechanics, teachers, doctors, artists, and bankers, all reveal a genuine fervour for voting for PTI.
Most of these people have even talked about plans of rounding up friends and family members on Election Day, so that they can make a festive event out of voting.
Even the ‘burger bachaas’ I know have sworn to take time out of their extremely taxing and ‘baked’ sessions of World of War Craft, to vote for PTI. As one acquaintance expressed through his ‘tutti frutti’ language skills,

“I am ready to chalo chalo with Imran, yo!”

It is true that some have been left shaken by the recent bombings at the political hotspots in the city, but it seems that for many, the acts of terrorism have actually strengthened the resolve to vote for change.
Here are 10 reasons why you should vote for PTI:
1. A chance to break a vicious pattern:
With political dynasties and military dictators taking turns at playing ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ with Pakistan, it seems that many Pakistanis abstained from voting in past elections, simply because choosing between candidates was like deciding between The Joker or Lex Luthor.
Although Imran Khan has been in politics for many years, the former cricketer’s political net run rate has been below par in previous campaigns. Now, for the first time in his career, Khan is running in with the momentum of a fast bowler on a green top pitch. Voting for him now is the best chance we have ever had to change the status quo.
2. A chance to elect someone who cares:  
Imran Khan has a great record as a humanitarian, he created the ‘Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre’ in Lahore, to which he is the single largest donor. In order to construct the hospital, Khan put his pride aside, as he took on this herculean task through many challenging years of fundraising, which to an average person would have been a nightmare.
By comparison, what have our other political leaders created, aside from vast quantities of wealth stored away in foreign nations, and mismanagement of taxpayer’s money?
The Lahore Metro Bus for example, has been funded by billions of rupees, and seems like an unnecessary luxury in a city that faces a lack of health care, education, and electricity.
Is there any point in buying ketchup, when you don’t have a hotdog?
3. Pakistan needs a leader who is fearless:  
We knew Imran Khan was a brave man when he faced down frighteningly fast bowlers from Australia and the West Indies in cricket, and lead from the front when he won us the World Cup in 1992. Further cementing his reputation as a bold individual was his decision to marry a woman from a Jewish background, even though he himself came from a growingly right-wing Muslim nation.
Later, during his political career, he travelled to the extremely hostile South Waziristan, to protest against drone attacks, in a move that could have ended his life. Even now, he conducts most of his political rallies without the aid of a bulletproof glass, standing in plain sight to engage his people.
This attitude contrasts sharply with other political hopefuls in Pakistan.
A recent video of Bilawal Bhutto’s speech, explaining why he is unable to return to Pakistan due to threats on his life, has gone viral on social media websites such as Facebook, that has left users unimpressed by Bilawal’s reasoning for not leading from the front.
4. We don’t want our nation’s heads to humiliate us overseas: 
The horribly cringe-worthy moment left us grinding our teeth, when the president of our nation told Sarah Palin she was ‘gorgeous’, upon meeting her for the first time at a public event.
Any woman (yes, even Palin), who has made her mark in politics deserves to be recognised for her craft, rather than her looks. It was sexist, because President Zardari did not go on to pay similar compliments to Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan is a highly polished person who has qualifications in politics and economics from the University of Oxford, and when he speaks, he draws you in with his eloquence.
5. Imran Khan’s record is clean:
Founded in 1996, the past 17 years have been very difficult for PTI, yet the political party has mostly stuck to its principles, and avoided some of the well documented chances to take shortcuts to power. A lesser leader, who did not empathise with his people, would have surely given in to temptation.
Furthermore, if you look at Imran Khan’s cricketing career, there was never any allegation of match-fixing, yet within a few years of his retirement, the team quickly involved itself in wrongdoings. And at this moment in time, unlike other major politicians, Imran Khan has kept all his monetary resources within the country.
6. PTI respects overseas Pakistanis:
Although the foreign remittance helps, it is a loss for Pakistan to have so many of her skilled professionals working overseas rather than serving at home. Many of these educated citizens are making ends meet by driving taxis, yet find this hard life more acceptable than meeting the challenges of living in Pakistan.
It is a fact that most Pakistanis would love to return to their nation if things were better at home, and it seems that PTI is the only political party which realises this, often expressing a desire to create an atmosphere where international Pakistanis find their own country as an attractive option to return with their accumulated wealth.
On the other hand, former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, when asked by CNN reporter Becky Anderson to share his thoughts on Pakistanis wanting to leave the country, responded with careless sentiments such as,

“Why don’t they just leave then”,

and

“Who’s stopping them?”

This left Ms Anderson, an experienced journalist, quite speechless.
It should also be noted that PTI has made it a priority to treat its overseas Pakistanis with dignity and respect, terming such citizens as ‘assets’, and providing them with more rights and resources than they currently have.
7. PTI’s democracy began from within:
PTI’s decision to conduct proper intra-party elections, regardless of the consequences, showed that, to the party, a proper democratic structure was more important than the results, as evidenced by the many disgruntled senior party members who did not make the cut.
On numerous occasions, Imran Khan has promised that once in power, his party will conduct elections in various social services in Pakistan, including the police force. By leading with example through the intra-party elections, Imran Khan has made it apparent that this will not turn out to be a hollow promise.
8. PTI’s goals are practical:
As its party’s manifesto reveals, PTI has designs on fighting major issues such as literacy, poverty, power, and corruption. These ambitions are realistically presented however, and not exaggerated to win favour with voters.
This level of transparency is refreshing in a country where politicians disingenuously suck up to voters like they are on the other end of a 1-900 number.
If only Pakistani politicians put as much energy into ending load shedding, as they do lying about when they will end it.
9. The Kashmir issue:
Years back, the Kashmir issue was the main subject of contention for Pakistanis, and Pakistani politicians used the emotional subject to milk as much endorsement as possible for themselves.
Since then, they have clearly found other emotional issues to manipulate, such as terrorism, inflation, and the lack of electricity, leaving the Kashmiri people mostly forgotten.
It seems that PTI is the only political party which is still serious about reaching a sensible resolution to the Kashmir dispute.
10. PTI cares about the environment:
Pakistan is a beautiful country which has the potential to become one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world. Unfortunately, our skies and lakes are becoming polluted, our wildlife isn’t safe, and very recently, thanks to the timber mafia and former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, a key forest in the Gilgit-Baltistan region lost what protection it had.
Ignoring a policy established since the early 90s designed to protect the forest and its surrounding environment, Ashraf signed away timber worth Rs8 billion, conveniently enough, 24 hours before the end of his government’s term. This was to the horror of the community in that region, who termed it a conspiracy, and stated that the timber mafia had suddenly begun the deforestation process before ‘issuance of the notification’ from up top.
In light of such events, it is reassuring to see that not only does PTI have a detailed environmental policy, but that Imran Khan truly cares about Mother Nature,

“Just like we might have to announce an education emergency because the state of our public education, we will also have to take severe measures to save the environment.”

I am glad that Imran is giving significance to every aspect of Pakistan, including her land.
Read more by Noman here or follow him on Twitter @Pugnate