candidate by a margin of 47,000 votes in re-polls. He said the same story would be repeated if re-elections were held in the constituencies of Khawaja Saad Rafique and Ayaz Sadiq in Lahore.
The minister said the PML-N was a democratic party and it had the tradition to absorb difference of opinion. But, on the other hand, he said, there was dictatorship in the PTI. “Imran’s stubborn attitude is the main reason behind the party’s defeat in elections,” he added.
He said Imran Khan had restricted his party leaders from issuing statements. “Justice (retd) Wajihuddin, who is the most respected person in the country, was issued a show-cause notice by Imran Khan,” he added.
Similarly, he said, the PTI leadership had no respect for party workers. He mentioned that in a public meeting at Multan during the election campaign of Aamir Dogar, Imran Khan enjoyed drinking mineral water without caring for a dying worker, who needed first aid but was being asked to listen to his speech. “Even no ambulance was provided for the worker,” he added.
He said all the PTI leaders wanted their personal publicity, which was evident from the party’s public meetings that everyone who mattered tried to be atop the container or stage.
He said the PML-N leadership respected party workers. He said the PML-N workers put in extra efforts and won the difficult election of NA-19 with thumping majority. The party, he added, would win the 2018 general elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the same spirit.
Pervaiz Rashid appreciated president PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pir Sabir Shah and his team for winning the NA-19 election.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Political Affairs Dr Asif Kirmani, General Secretary PML-N KP Sajjad Bhaggra, former provincial minister Qazi Asad, Ayub Khan Afridi, MPA Raja Faisal Zaman, Habibullah Tareen, Umer Ayub and Sardar Mushtaq also spoke on the occasion.
The reception was hosted by renowned social and political personality Hamid Mir.