Local changes

The PML-N has grabbed a major portion of seats in Punjab while the PPP emerged victorious in Sindh in the recently held LB elections. Interestingly, the two parties did not let LB elections take place during their previous tenures, despite having been in power since 2008 in their respective provinces. It was only on the Supreme Court’s directive that they reluctantly agreed to hold the LB elections – and that too in three phases. However, the criterion to select districts for different phases was not made public.
It is ironic that a large number of independent candidates have won these elections because it reflects the distrust the public has for politicians. The leadership of ruling parties ought to come out of their utopia and face reality: people are getting fed up with empty slogans and promises. Likewise, the successful independent candidates who join a political party, voluntarily or otherwise, will not only betray the trust of their voters but will also taint the political party they join. Such practices breed contempt for the election process as well as for political leaders.
Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad
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The surprise win of the group led by the disgruntled PPP leader Zulfiqar Mirza has come as a shocking surprise for the PPP. Badin was once a PPP stronghold. This has proven that if provided with a potent leadership, the people of Sindh are ready to shun the PPP. Even the trump card of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari failed to turn the tide in favour of the PPP despite the fact that the PPP vice chairman spent the last three days of his election campaign in Badin.
The Badin result is a wake-up call for the PPP. It should focus on effective governance and try to remove corruption and nepotism in its leadership. The people of Sindh have started to feel the winds of change.
Mohsin Ali Mahar
Islamabad