PTI getting level-playing field, says Sherpao

CHARSADDA: In a clear reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Wednesday said some political parties were getting level-playing field plus.

Talking to reporters outside the office of the returning officer after the scrutiny of his nomination papers for the National Assembly constituency NA-24, he said the PTI was getting ‘undue’ relief from the courts, adding the petitions of other political parties were not placed for hearing for months.

“When the PTI files a petition, it is placed for hearing the very next day while others have to wait for months,” he remarked. He said it was beyond comprehension that the PTI was complaining about the lack of level-playing field as it was getting relief from courts.

The QWP leader said it had become difficult for them to convey their message to the voters due to the poor law and order in the province.

Expressing concern over the worsening law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Aftab Sherpao said the incidents of terrorism were taking place in various parts of the province, making it difficult for the candidates to reach out to the electorate.

He said the prevailing poor law and order would affect the turnout in the upcoming general election slated for February 8, 2024. He urged the government to take measures ahead of the general election to maintain law and order as the increasing incidents of terrorism had created an atmosphere of fear among the people.

Aftab Sherpao recalled that in 2018 a certain political party was imposed on the people and the rest of the political forces were not provided a level-playing field, adding that the people had to bear the brunt of the unfair election.

He said that the government should play its role to create an enabling environment for the polls. All the political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, should be facilitated to participate in the election, he went on to add. “Keeping a political party out of the election is not the right approach,” he argued.