The NA-154 result

The PML-N’s victory in the NA-154 by-election has shocked the PTI. On the other hand, after a turbulent period, which saw the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, the victory has boosted the confidence and morale of PML-N workers. This unexpected and unpredictable victory also indicates that the PTI is losing its popularity. The PTI leader has expressed that this defeat will give the party an opportunity to learn from its mistakes and emerge as a stronger party in the coming elections.

Many political analysts believe that both parties didn’t pay much attention to their election campaigns. This is believed to be the main reason for such an unpredictable result. Some believe that if the party carries out a compelling election campaign, it will easily win the seat in the next elections. This result should not be viewed as the final decision of the people. Both parties have to work hard to win the confidence of the people to emerge as winner.

Shaukat Hayat Buneri

Chinglai, Buner

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When the PTI entered the world of politics, it vowed to redefine democracy. It promised to be a beacon of hope for those who were frustrated by the status quo because they thought that politicians in our country have no interest in the problems faced by the people. The Imran Khan-led PTI compelled people to take to the streets and heavily critiqued the authorities for their incompetence. Since 2014, we have witnessed different protests being held to criticise the current government for doing little to improve the conditions of the people. The party also took the credit for keeping corrupt politicians away from the political arena. However, what the party has failed to do is to practice what it preaches.

The party, which was against the tradition of awarding party tickets to children and relatives of party leaders, awarded a ticket to Jahangir Tareen’s son, Ali Tareen. The party’s hypocrisy can also be gauged from the fact that it kept quiet over the disqualification of Jahangir Tareen when the latter as well as Nawaz Sharif were disqualified for the same reason: the failure to declare their assets. These are the reasons why the popularity that the party gained in the past has diminished at a rapid pace. If the PTI doesn’t learn from its mistakes in a timely manner, it will struggle to perform in the 2018 elections.

Huzaifa Imran

Karachi