In a recent development, Nadeem Afzal Chan, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has claimed that there is no difference between the Islamic Republic Alliance and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) when it comes to suppressing opposition voices. Chan asserted that individuals joining the PPP are being forcibly restricted, highlighting an alleged attempt to stifle political diversity within the party.
During a conversation on the “Capital Talk” program with host Hamid Mir in Lahore, Chan expressed his views on the current political landscape. He argued that the ruling government in Punjab is not the result of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) but rather the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Chan urged that the PTI should also be allowed to hold rallies, emphasizing the importance of a level playing field for all political parties.
Senator Musadik Malik from the PML-N and Barrister Gohar Khan, the spokesperson for PTI, also participated in the program. Malik stated that irrespective of a politician’s stature, if they lose public support, they should be removed from the political arena. He commented on the PPP’s claim that it is facing challenges in organizing rallies, asserting that the party needs to focus on refining its narrative rather than attributing its struggles to an uneven playing field.
Referring to upcoming elections, Gohar Khan emphasized the need for fair and transparent electoral processes, stating that all political parties must be given equal opportunities on the playing field. He announced that PTI would hold a rally in Peshawar in the first week of December and stressed that if elections are conducted fairly, the PML-N would not secure any seats in Lahore.
Nadeem Afzal Chan highlighted the alleged suppression of those challenging the ruling government in Punjab, citing the case of Mohsin Shah Nawaz Ranjha, who has filed a complaint against the Punjab government regarding incidents that occurred in 2013. Chan argued that there is a stark contrast between organizing rallies and holding seminars, indicating that both PPP and PTI should be granted permission to conduct their respective political activities.
Moreover, Chan mentioned the internal dynamics of PPP, addressing the resignation of Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, stating that the party did not expel him but rather, he voluntarily stepped down. He concluded by emphasizing that the upcoming elections in Punjab revolve around challenging the longstanding dominance of certain influential figures in the region
