In a significant development, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), in collaboration with several other political parties including Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H), has announced plans for a protest outside the Sindh Assembly. This joint announcement was made during a press conference held in Karachi.
Key leaders from the participating parties, including Sadruddin Shah Rashidi from GDA, Maulana Rashid Soomro from JUI-F, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman from JI, and Haleem Adil Shaikh from PTI, addressed the media during the press conference.
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Rashidi, representing the GDA, emphasized that the protest aims to challenge what they perceive as electoral malpractice, particularly highlighting the alleged use of notes instead of votes during the elections. He reiterated their commitment to a peaceful struggle until what they consider the return of the public mandate.
Dr. Safdar Ali Abbasi emphasized the rejection of election results and highlighted previous peaceful protests as evidence of public discontent. He stressed the coalition’s commitment to peaceful means and reiterated their demand for new elections.
Hafiz Naeem from JI expressed solidarity with the GDA and confirmed their decision not to take oath alongside PTI members. He criticized the seat distribution between PPP and MQM-P.
PTI’s Haleem Adil Shaikh accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of complicity in “mandate theft” and emphasized incidents of rigging. He asserted PTI’s claim to 22 National Assembly seats in Sindh.
JUI-F’s Rashid Soomro warned against obstructing the planned protest and held the administration accountable for any consequences. He urged supporters to mobilize for the upcoming demonstration.
This announcement precedes the scheduled Sindh Assembly session on February 24, where newly elected members are expected to take oath. The planned protest underscores the ongoing political tension and dissatisfaction with the electoral process in the region.
