PTI activists protest ‘unfair’ distribution of part tickets

PESHAWAR: The activists of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) staged protest here on Sunday against what they called unfair award of tickets for the upcoming local government elections.
The protesters alleged that tickets were awarded to undeserving candidates. Holding banners inscribed with slogans, they blocked Sher Shah Suri Road and chanted slogans for following the formula presented by Shah Mahmood Qureshi for awarding tickets to candidates for the LG polls.
Addressing the protesters, PTI leaders alleged that tickets were awarded to blue-eyed of some local leaders while dedicated and old workers, who rendered sacrifices for the party, were ignored.
They argued that PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi had presented a formula for the award of tickets, but it was not followed. They alleged the party’s constitution was violated while awarding the tickets and threatened to intensify the protest if the decision was not revised.
The protesters blamed some party leaders for the violation of party discipline. It is worth mentioning that there is resentment among PTI activists over award of party tickets for the local bodies’ polls.
The aggrieved workers at a press conference on Saturday accused PTI provincial president Azam Swati and some MPAs of nepotism and violation of party’s constitution. They vowed to resist the unjust decision and protest at all forums. They asked the party high command to take notice of the issue and ensure the award of tickets to suitable and deserving candidates.
The protesting activists claimed they were old and dedicated workers and were sincere to the cause of the party and would play a role in bringing change through upholding merit. Later, they dispersed and vowed to continue the protest till acceptance of their demand.