The PML-N’s claim that the PPP never won a general election without rigging has been widely reported, with Saeed Ghani, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), making this assertion at a press conference in Karachi. Ghani alleged that the PML-N had “never secured power” through rigging and instead claimed that it was often made to win seats by manipulating the electoral process.
Ghani pointed out that despite the PPP securing power on several occasions, including 2008, they were restricted from forming a government due to rigging. He specifically mentioned the 1997 general elections in which Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N formed the government, with the PPP secured only 16-17 seats.
Ghani also alleged that during Musharraf’s tenure, the PML-N was made to win seats by being controlled and prevented from forming a government. He claimed that despite securing power in 2024 elections, the PML-N still lost their own seats and blamed Nawaz Sharif for this defeat.
The PPP leader emphasized that his party advocated for more provinces in Punjab as per the wishes of the people. Ghani stressed that he represented the citizens of each province when taking a stance on Sindh and Punjab, highlighting that two ministers from Punjab’s education and sports departments had restricted their views to only what Maryam Nawaz told them.
Ghani also pointed out that the chief ministers of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not comment or take action against the PML-N’s performance. He noted that this lack of accountability was a result of the PPP advocating for more provinces in Punjab, as per the people’s desires.
The allegations made by Ghani have sparked controversy within Pakistan, with some questioning his claims and others supporting him. The issue remains a topic of debate among Pakistani politicians and citizens alike.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
