Punjab LG elections: seven opposition parties to make seat adjustment

Seven opposition parties have decided to make seat adjustment for the local bodies' elections in Punjab. As per details, the opposition parties have demanded resignation of the officials of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), re-provision of election funds and stern action against suspects involved in Model Town vandalism ahead of the LG elections.
The decision was taken during a meeting held at Mian Manzoor Wattoo's residence, here on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Chaudhry Sawrar of PTI, Liaqat Baloch of JI, Nawaz Gandapur of PAT, Pir Ejaz Hashmi of JUP, Jawad-ul-Hassan Kazmi of SIC and Asad Abbas Naqvi of Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen. Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood, President Southern Punjab, was specially invited to attend the meeting.
Briefing the media persons after the meeting, Wattoo said that the participants expressed their grave concern over the plight of farmers due to anti-farmer policy of the government. It was decided to be a part of the farmers' struggle till the acceptance of their demands, he added.
He said that the political leaders also extended their full support for the demand of the traders who had been protesting and urging the government to withdraw withholding tax.
Wattoo said that the leaders of the parties had urged the ECP members to step down, because there was no justification for them to stay after the Judicial Commission Report and the recent decisions of the Election Tribunals.
He said it was also decided to allow the district level organisations of the respective parties to go for seat adjustment keeping in view the local dynamics of politics.
The participants expressed their strong reservations regarding the recent allocation of development funds in each constituency and described it as pre-poll rigging.
Wattoo said that the participants paid rich tributes to Pakistan Army for its sacrifices in 1965 war against India and Zarb-e-Azb operation.
Chaudhry Sarwar while responding to media questions said that there was no moral justification for the ECP members to stay as they had become highly controversial.
Liaqat Baloch maintained that it was beyond comprehension to go for elections without bringing in electoral reforms. He said that it had been decided to take part in the elections so that the field should not be left open for the government.