Politicians to be blamed if democracy derailed: Imtiaz Alam

LAHORE : Renowned journalist and candidate for NA-161, Bahawalnagar, Imtiaz Alam Friday demanded a level playing field for all political parties and said politicians would be responsible if democracy was derailed.

Addressing a press conference, Imtiaz Alam, brother of former PPP MNA Mumtaz Alam Gilani, said things would worsen further if polls were not held in a fair way.

To a question, he said the prevailing crisis in the country could be addressed if all parties get united.

He said pursuing backdoor tactics to gain powers would lead to the derailment of democracy. The senior journalist demanded free, fair and transparent polls. He said people's selection should be respected and the upcoming parliament should be independent.

He urged leaders of political parties to accept one another with open heart and end bitterness.

Imtiaz expressed concerns over the arrest of political workers.

About his constituency, he said even clean drinking water was not available to people and entire public money was being spent on Lahore. He demanded free education for students and minimum wage of a worker as Rs 50,000.