I am not getting this decision by IK at all. To think that people of Karachi will vote for PTI because of AL’s inclusion is a delusion of the highest order, it will actually work against PTI.
To me it could be either of three things. One, IK and PTI Karachi is completely out of step and living in a bubble when it comes to local politics in Karachi and they are justifying this inclusion based on this guys TV show ratings, a very Trumpian move at best.
Secondly, AL does have some standing within the hard line Barelvi sect and this could be an attempt to coerce that group of voters towards PTI. Problem is, that group’s electoral imprint is small, especially when it comes to Karachi, as it gets fairly diluted.
Thirdly, and this one is far more twisted and sinister, is to use the Khatm-e-Naboowat card on NS and PML-N during the election campaign via AL as he has been quite vocal about this matter and has been giving fiery speeches in Karachi during the Khadim Rizvi sit-in. AL could be unleashed on a national level, wagging his caustic tongue and hurling accusations and veiled threats putting PML-N on the defensive. Not so far fetched as IK himself has brought this topic up in his press conference recently.
Whatever it is, this is an extremely short-sighed decision which is almost certainly bound to cause PTI and IK irreparable harm, not just because of his own two-faced and devious personality but because of letting down so many idealistic PTI supporters.
Sad day for PTI.