PMML clarifies report

The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) has clarified a report headlined ‘Kamal gets support of Hafiz Saeed-backed party in NA-242’, which was published in this newspaper on January 24.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the PMML refuted this story as incorrect and propaganda against the party, saying that it is part of a smear campaign by a neighbouring country. “There is no truth in the assertion of the party being backed by Hafiz Saeed or any proscribed individual or entity.”

To set the record straight, the press release said, the PMML is a completely independent party led by Advocate Khalid Masood Sandhu. “We categorically deny any connection or affiliation with any banned entity or individual. Furthermore, the PMML stands proudly as a registered party with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and our official electoral symbol is the ‘chair/kursi’.”

The PMML said such tactics are not only unethical but also undermine the democratic process itself.