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We are already hearing noise from certain quarters about the integrity of these elections but do you believe that the Pakistan General Elections be held in a fair manner?
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Shadow of 'engineering' hangs over Pakistan election
16 Jul 2018
Mastung, Pakistan - Surrounded by the arid mountains of the Chiltan range, Aslam Raisani's voice rises in anger as he speaks of the political forces aligned against him.
Pakistan's general election is less than two weeks away, on July 25, and the tribal chief and political leader from the impoverished southwestern Balochistan province says he is facing a playing field tilted by an old enemy.
"There is an element of pressure going on to divert voters to the candidate that has been fielded by the establishment," he says, using a common euphemism for Pakistan's powerful military and intelligence agencies.
The military has ruled Pakistan for roughly half of its 70-year history, since independence from the British in 1947, and has been at the centre of allegations of "political engineering" before an election that would see the country's second civilian-to-civilian handover of power.
In Raisani's rural district of Mastung, he alleges that the military has intimidated voters and offered incentives to switch loyalties, from installing electricity transformers to offering to release relatives allegedly "disappeared" by the intelligence services.
Aslam Raisani, a tribal chieftain and former chief minister of Balochistan province, says the military is involved in election engineering.
Pakistan's military denies any involvement in politics, saying it supports the democratic process.
The military's press wing did not respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment on the allegations that it has influenced the political process in the run-up to the polls.
But last week, military spokesperson Asif Ghafoor held a press conference to respond to the accusations, saying the military has "no direct role" in the elections.
He said that 371,388 soldiers and paramilitary personnel would be providing security at more than 85,000 polling stations for the vote.
Last week, a suicide attack on an election rally in Mastung killed at least 149 people. It was the third such attack in the span of a week, stoking fears of a spike in violence ahead of the polls.
Raisani's brother, Siraj, a candidate for the rival party that politicians claim is backed by the "establishment", was among those killed in the Mastung explosion.
Allegations of 'engineering'
Raisani is the latest politician to allege the military is threatening candidates and voters.
Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N leader, has named the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) directly as having threatened candidates from his party to switch loyalties.
The PML-N has been foremost among those raising the allegations after Sharif was removed as prime minister over corruption claims last year. On Friday, Sharif and his daughter Maryam were arrested as they returned to Pakistan from England, having been convicted of corruption a week earlier.
Sharif's party says the charges are politically motivated, and that the military engineered his removal after pressuring the judiciary, a charge both deny.
Other parties, too, have alleged misconduct by the military in the run-up to the polls.
On Tuesday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) politician Farhatullah Babar told a press conference that at least three PPP candidates had been threatened by people identifying themselves as military officers.
'Fabricated election'
In Balochistan, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) is suspected to be the face of the alleged engineering.
Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, the party's founder, is a diminutive man, but the 69-year-old politician from Quetta, the provincial capital, is said to have the power to bring down governments.
In March, Hashmi formed BAP, a collection of political leaders who two months earlier had overthrown the PML-N's government in the province through a no-confidence vote.
It was the third time Hashmi had been involved in the fall of a provincial government.
Aslam Raisani, right, a tribal chieftain and political leader, speaks to supporters at a meeting in Mastung [Asad Hashim/Al Jazeera]
Raisani and six other political leaders told Al Jazeera they believed BAP was a front for the military's involvement in the elections.
"They are threatening people who have votes, to vote for [BAP] candidates [or] to switch loyalties themselves," said Hasil Bizenjo, chief of the National Party (NP), listing members of his party who have received such threats.
"This is not just a pre-poll rigged election, it is a fabricated election in Balochistan," he alleged.
BAP went from inception to fielding 58 candidates across the province within weeks. Leaders of other parties say this is evidence the scales were tipped in its favour.
"Political parties don't just come about in a day, it's a struggle, it takes a long time," says Akhtar Mengal, chief of the Balochistan National Party (BNP). "To make a political party so quickly, to distribute tickets and make office bearers - cinema tickets have not been distributed as quickly as they have done this."
Mengal said that political allies were being threatened to drop the BNP and back BAP candidates, "or face the consequences".
Saeed Hashmi, the chief of the Balochistan Awami Party, says other party leaders envy his success.
Hashmi denies military backing and says his opponents are simply concerned by his party's popularity.
"Our enemies see our strength and that's why they raise these allegations," he says, adding that he formed the party to unify politicians who reject ethnic nationalism.
He says the timing of the BAP's revolt against the PML-N, as Sharif's party started openly criticising the military, was unplanned.
"The timing was coincidence," he says, smoking a cigarette. "We as a group had been looking for a long time to launch a new party."
The allegations, however, are persistent.
In Mastung, near Raisani's home, the BAP has taken over a government hospital as a campaign office, in contravention of Pakistan's electoral code.
Political leaders across the province say it is not the first time BAP candidates have used government resources.
"Right now, if you go into the bazaar, you will see a few Balochistan Awami Party banners - other than that, these people don't need to do any real work," says Jehanzeb Jamaldini, a senator and BNP leader. "They are fortunate people, a party has been made for them … the money has been arranged for them … the votes have been found for them and will even be deposited in their ballot boxes for them."
Jehanzeb Jamaldini, a BNP leader and sitting senator, claims party workers have been threatened.
Jamaldini said his party workers had been threatened in Noshki, Khuzdar, Makran and Chagai districts of Balochistan, and advised to support BAP.
Sitting in his ancestral home, Raisani is quietly confident.
"My supporters are quiet. They are going about their business," he says. "They may even go to BAP rallies, but on polling day they will vote for me."
97, 08, 13 say asalamualaikum
77 too
Good article from Al Jazeera which is worth reading (https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/f...-hangs-pakistan-election-180715221809868.html)
You are wasting your time with these people. When you see an ostrich with its head in the sand, you let it be.
You are wasting your time with these people. When you see an ostrich with its head in the sand, you let it be.
Pre-election rigging is already in full-swing, and we all know who is behind it.
PTI candidate who used COAS, CJP's photos on campaign posters allowed to contest polls by LHC
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday gave permission to contest the July 25 elections to a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) candidate who had used the pictures of the chief justice of Pakistan and the army chief in his campaign advertisements and posters.
The Elec*tion Commission of ******tan (ECP) had earlier this month disqualified Nasir Cheema, a candidate from Gujranwala's PP-53 constituency, after he was found to have violated the electoral code of conduct by using photos of two heads of institutions on his election posters.
The lawyer for Cheema, who had challenged the ECP decision in the high court, informed a two-judge bench today that his client had been ruled ineligible to contest the polls over alleged violation of the ECP code of conduct.
However, he asked why the ECP had disqualified Cheema on the basis of election posters that were put up on April 18, 2018, while the code of conduct had been issued on June 14, and the election schedule was published on May 31.
The counsel also complained that the person who had filed the complaint against Cheema never personally appeared before the ECP. "The complainant also doesn't belong to the PTI candidate's constituency but is a resident of Karachi," he pointed out.
The lawyer also asked why the commission had not revealed the specific law under which the candidate was disqualified.
The LHC should therefore allow Cheema to contest the elections, he maintained.
After hearing the arguments by the lawyer and ECP legal adviser Imran Arif Ranjha, the LHC bench, comprising Justices Aminuddin Khan and Sajid Mehmood Sethi, ruled that Cheema was eligible to contest the elections.
The ECP had earlier in July quizzed Cheema over the controversial posters and asked him to submit a reply explaining as to why he should not be disallowed from contesting the polls.
“Are they related to you? What is the army chief’s and CJP’s link to the elections? On what basis did you put up their pictures?” an infuriated Chief Election Commis*sioner (CEC) Sardar Mohammad Raza Khan had asked the PTI candidate.
Before Cheema was disqualified, the CEC had emphasised that it was not a question of when the posters had been put on display, but why these images had been put up at all.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1420639/p...paign-posters-allowed-to-contest-polls-by-lhc
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=101697]LegendInzi[/MENTION]
It seems that this candidate wanted to put out into the open what we already know (that GHQ is orchestrating soft coup through PTI)
More power to GHQ.... I hope their soft coup is successful.https://www.dawn.com/news/1420639/p...paign-posters-allowed-to-contest-polls-by-lhc
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=101697]LegendInzi[/MENTION]
It seems that this candidate wanted to put out into the open what we already know (that GHQ is orchestrating soft coup through PTI)
Can [MENTION=142451]Mian[/MENTION] add the Zaeem Qadri statement about elections being rigged in 2013
Here you go bro. If Nooras win election on 25th everything is fine otherwise it's establishment ki saazish you know
<iframe frameborder="0" width="480" height="270" src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x6owzcz" allowfullscreen allow="autoplay"></iframe>
Just for you my Noora friend [MENTION=142317]Loralai[/MENTION]
I am not a PML (N) supporter (I actually support AWP).
Also, I do not deny that the 2013 election would have been dirty. The same people who are the kingmakers now were the kingmakers then.
I don't care what the outcome of this exercise is.
However, it's good that the civilian struggle in last few years especially from N-League and PTM has highlighted the ugly maneuverings from military to the Pakistani public as well as to the international media. Not that it will impact much in the short-run, however at least this is coming into the mainstream discussion. The puppeteers and their puppets stand naked in front of the bloody civilians.
I don't care what the outcome of this exercise is.
However, it's good that the civilian struggle in last few years especially from N-League and PTM has highlighted the ugly maneuverings from military to the Pakistani public as well as to the international media. Not that it will impact much in the short-run, however at least this is coming into the mainstream discussion. The puppeteers and their puppets stand naked in front of the bloody civilians.
Nawaz Sharif, a three-term former prime minister, and his daughter, Maryam, were arrested as they stepped off a plane from London on July 13th.
I read this article last night. I may be wrong but the journalist is Indian? We know Indians wants Nawaz to remain as he against the armed forces.
To accuse the military of bomb attacks to help IK is just typical Indian script writing, always harping on about Pakistan army supporting terrorists.
From what I've heard, nobody has mentioned India in their election speeches. India is obsessed with Pakistan.
Actions like this usually backfire in elections and help the candidates the public feels is being persecuted. PML-N is likely to sweep Punjab unless there is widespread rigging.
Economist doesn't name its journalists on articles.
Actions like this usually backfire in elections and help the candidates the public feels is being persecuted. PML-N is likely to sweep Punjab unless there is widespread rigging.
Rest of the world is allow to put corrupt politicians behind bar but Indian want Pakistani to keep electing corrupt politician? Okay buddy
“Can Mr Khan really be happy? Although he and Pakistan’s army deny foul play, the match has been rigged.
The army is ensuring that the PTI enjoys privileged access to media, endorsements from powerful people and defections from rival parties. Nawaz Sharif, a three-term former prime minister, and his daughter, Maryam, were arrested as they stepped off a plane from London on July 13th.
A campaign of harassment and arrest has affected other parties’ workers far more than the PTI’s.”
__________________________
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2...kistans-generals-to-stop-meddling-in-politics
The article lacks some depth because a lot more could be said, but it does raise some pertinent points as I have highlighted above.
Also, it is very important that the military establishment and Imran Khan’s boot-licking is highlighted and exposed in international media.
Looks like the savior hasn’t been made aware of this article yet. One tweet and Insaafians will take The Economist to the cleaners like Dawn and Hameed Haroon.
Also, it is surprising to note that The Economist is in PML-N’s pocket as well. Or perhaps the international media is fearful of a Pakistan spearheaded by the great Khan and his champions of Naya Pakistan?
They have already done enough damage to the country in the last seventy years. They have caused us more embarrassment and humiliation than can be described in words and are probably more corrupt than Nawaz Sharif and Zardari combined.
It would be better for all involved to acknowledge that they are using PTI as a vehicle for a soft coup and therefore destroying the credibility of PTI in the process.
You could argue, and there is evidence to back this up, but weak corrupt governments propped up by the military is why we are where we are now...
So really knowing the facts that you do then surely you’ll vote for something other then the PPP and the PMLN..
Any thing else is just insane, surely?
What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result...
I think it’s time now to term people like you a Traitor!
This is an extremely harsh term and I hate to use it. But frankly all your posts only show that you don’t give two hoots about the country.
Anyone who calls themselves a Pakistany and yet,
Furthers India’s propaganda
Disappears when asked simple a question regarding Shabaz Shariffs’s corruption
Disappears when asked to clarify another point, I.e billion tree tsunami...
who is prepared to back corruption, complicit by your continuos support of leaders who have raped the country.
Who would back the person who is sitting in jail for corruption. Backing proven liars...
Who backs democracy and yet still backs crooks over a party that hasn’t even tasted power.,,
Who is not willing to accept the decison of the highest judiciary.
Uses the argument about army involvement without any evidence whatsoever despite that jailed crook having been created and proped up by the army in the first place.
Coming back to democracy. You said 18 months ago that in order for democracy to prosper and hence for the country to prosper you have to let democracy takes it course and that protests should not take place. If you truly believe in this and if you take the view that the PMLN and PPP are inherently corrupt then why not vote for change? Like i’ve Said before, if the PTI fails to deliver then you get another vote in 5 years time.
I’m sorry but everything points one thing one thing only... traitor.
When I read it on my phone, it had a link which took me to WSJ and it was an Indian named journalist.
Im pretty sure it's Sadanand Dhume .
If you read his twitter feed, he is hardly impartial but is supportive of NS.
The Indian trolls favouring the Noora king are out in force these days, just look at the comment sections on Dawn or Tribune. Nearly every other comment is from an Ind, whereas i have never been on a single Ind site to comment on Ind Domestic politics or the size of Modis 200 inch chest
Indians and Westerners should stop meddling in Pak politics.
The Indian trolls favouring the Noora king are out in force these days, just look at the comment sections on Dawn or Tribune. Nearly every other comment is from an Ind, whereas i have never been on a single Ind site to comment on Ind Domestic politics or the size of Modis 200 inch chest
Indians and Westerners should stop meddling in Pak politics.
This fact alone should tell us that Nawaz is someone's asset.
I do not support either PPP, PMLN or PTI.
Im beginning to wonder if NS is an asset of India? We dont know what he has told his Indian friends and it would be a big disappointment for them if he was to be gone.
[MENTION=137893]enkidu_[/MENTION] Off topic mate but what are you views on Ayub Khan, regarding this thread?
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...es-the-President-of-Pakistan-Ayub-Khan-(1966)
Yes, Nawaz Sharif is an Indian asset
I think it’s time now to term people like you a Traitor!
This is an extremely harsh term and I hate to use it. But frankly all your posts only show that you don’t give two hoots about the country.
Anyone who calls themselves a Pakistany and yet,
Furthers India’s propaganda
Disappears when asked simple a question regarding Shabaz Shariffs’s corruption
Disappears when asked to clarify another point, I.e billion tree tsunami...
who is prepared to back corruption, complicit by your continuos support of leaders who have raped the country.
Who would back the person who is sitting in jail for corruption. Backing proven liars...
Who backs democracy and yet still backs crooks over a party that hasn’t even tasted power.,,
Who is not willing to accept the decison of the highest judiciary.
Uses the argument about army involvement without any evidence whatsoever despite that jailed crook having been created and proped up by the army in the first place.
Coming back to democracy. You said 18 months ago that in order for democracy to prosper and hence for the country to prosper you have to let democracy takes it course and that protests should not take place. If you truly believe in this and if you take the view that the PMLN and PPP are inherently corrupt then why not vote for change? Like i’ve Said before, if the PTI fails to deliver then you get another vote in 5 years time.
I’m sorry but everything points one thing one thing only... traitor.
Yes, Nawaz Sharif is an Indian asset
How do you expect me to acknowledge the Supreme Court verdict when the Chief Justice is dancing to the tunes of the GHQ?
However, for the sake of democracy and in respect of the constitution, we all should respect the decision of the SC.
I have full faith in the judiciary system and I hope and pray that they make an impartial decision, even if it means the end of Nawaz Sharif.
Excellent stuff from the Pakistan Army to put the economic and political security of the country first by kicking the Nooras out of office. Salute to the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Another long essay but totally against your own words from past you use to blame IK for crying if verdict is in favor of Nawaz but trust me you are doing exactly same.
I didn’t expect the Supreme Court to bow down to the military.
I didn’t expect the Supreme Court to bow down to the military.
So where are the receipts? Did they disappear like you did from your own thread?
The Indian trolls favouring the Noora king are out in force these days, just look at the comment sections on Dawn or Tribune. Nearly every other comment is from an Ind, whereas i have never been on a single Ind site to comment on Ind Domestic politics or the size of Modis 200 inch chest
Indians and Westerners should stop meddling in Pak politics.
[MENTION=491]IMMY69[/MENTION]
You can call me whatever you want, and I am surprised that it took you this long to call me a traitor, after all, your leader specializes in personal attacks.
The so-called “Indian propaganda” is a self-created problem, because since 1947, we have not come to terms with the fact that Kashmir is India’s internal issue, and we have absolutely no stake in it.
The only we are poking our nose in Kashmir is because hostile relationship with India is key military dominance in Pakistan.
The end the two governments join hands is the day the Pakistan Army loses relevance and influence.
Pakistan have had an obsession with becoming India, without realizing that it will never be a threat. We simply don’t have the resources and the size to compete with them.
Pakistan is an annoying little fly that is buzzing in India’s face, and I think India is quite patient to haven’t swatted it yet.
Nawaz Sharif is not an Indian asset, and nor does India care if he stays in power. That is what we believe to make ourselves feel important.
The reason why Indian commentators and political analysts appear to be pro-Nawaz is because they understand the fact that the reason why India is far ahead of Pakistan in terms of economic growth and institutional power is because it has not allowed its military to interfere in its politics.
India has managed to upheld civil supremacy, and that is why their democracy is so strong today.
As far as corruption is concerned, it is a problem, but it is always be there. Pakistan’s biggest problem is not corruption but rather, weak democracy and military supremacy.
Corruption exists in India as well, but because institutions are strong and autonomous, accountability is not selective, and politicians do not need to polish military boots to come or stay into power.
How do you justify the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif when Zardari is walking scot-free?
How is this not selective and bias accountability, and who is the driving force behind it?
How do you expect me to acknowledge the Supreme Court verdict when the Chief Justice is dancing to the tunes of the GHQ?
If all of the above makes me a traitor, I am happy to be called one. The military has also been very successful in planting ideas into the heads of our people.
They have made India this monster that is constantly trying to spread anarchy and chaos in Pakistan, but the biggest monster in Pakistan is the Army itself, and they are responsible for the conflict between the two countries today.
It was gift from Nawaz Sharif’s father who was more than rich enough to afford property in London. It is not always easy to provide money trail for assets that you have inherited.
The judgment was weak and the corruption was never proven. However, that was not a problem because the decision to disqualify Nawaz and put him in jail was taken long before they started to consider the evidence.
Actions like this usually backfire in elections and help the candidates the public feels is being persecuted. PML-N is likely to sweep Punjab unless there is widespread rigging.
It was gift from Nawaz Sharif’s father who was more than rich enough to afford property in London. It is not always easy to provide money trail for assets that you have inherited.
Maybe Indian part of Punjab. He seems more popular in India than Pakistan.
You're talking like he bought the daily groceries and lost the receipt. However you do unintentionally make me laugh though.
It was gift from Nawaz Sharif’s father who was more than rich enough to afford property in London. It is not always easy to provide money trail for assets that you have inherited.
The judgment was weak and the corruption was never proven. However, that was not a problem because the decision to disqualify Nawaz and put him in jail was taken long before they started to consider the evidence.
I read this article last night. I may be wrong but the journalist is Indian?
Hilarious these Indians like [MENTION=142162]Napa[/MENTION] are telling us the local Punjabis here about the current popularity of PMLN in Punjab) It's like me commenting on Tamil Nadu politics
It was gift from Nawaz Sharif’s father who was more than rich enough to afford property in London. It is not always easy to provide money trail for assets that you have inherited.
The judgment was weak and the corruption was never proven. However, that was not a problem because the decision to disqualify Nawaz and put him in jail was taken long before they started to consider the evidence.
I bet you didnt even have a straight face or should i say a clean heart when you wrote those words "it was gift". You were always a guy that enjoyed i debating with, even though i have always disagreed but debating with you now is akin to clubbing a baby seal- no contest. You have respect anymore!
Why do you remain in denial and continue to spout rubbish?
A rich millionaire steel baron who didn’t keep paperwork is unbelievable. There are records such as bank accounts, title deeds, loan agreements, tax returns etc etc etc that can and should be available, going back decades.
Then, as others have already mentioned, the lies from father, sons and daughter but yet you still think it’s some deep state military PTI conspiracy!!
What are you smoking?
The so-called “Indian propaganda” is a self-created problem, because since 1947, we have not come to terms with the fact that Kashmir is India’s internal issue, and we have absolutely no stake in it.
The only we are poking our nose in Kashmir is because hostile relationship with India is key military dominance in Pakistan.
The end the two governments join hands is the day the Pakistan Army loses relevance and influence.
Pakistan have had an obsession with becoming India, without realizing that it will never be a threat. We simply don’t have the resources and the size to compete with them.
Pakistan is an annoying little fly that is buzzing in India’s face, and I think India is quite patient to haven’t swatted it yet.
Nawaz Sharif is not an Indian asset, and nor does India care if he stays in power. That is what we believe to make ourselves feel important.
The reason why Indian commentators and political analysts appear to be pro-Nawaz is because they understand the fact that the reason why India is far ahead of Pakistan in terms of economic growth and institutional power is because it has not allowed its military to interfere in its politics.
India has managed to upheld civil supremacy, and that is why their democracy is so strong today.
As far as corruption is concerned, it is a problem, but it is always be there. Pakistan’s biggest problem is not corruption but rather, weak democracy and military supremacy.
Corruption exists in India as well, but because institutions are strong and autonomous, accountability is not selective, and politicians do not need to polish military boots to come or stay into power.
How do you justify the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif when Zardari is walking scot-free?
How is this not selective and bias accountability, and who is the driving force behind it?
How do you expect me to acknowledge the Supreme Court verdict when the Chief Justice is dancing to the tunes of the GHQ?
You are making us stuff. This is just another example of your paranoia about India. The article by Dhume appeared in the WSJ, the Economist article is different.
Believing that India is responsible for all of Pakistan's problems is the surest way of keeping Pakistan backward.