ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) urged Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan to boycott upcoming by-elections on National Assembly (NA) vacant seats.

Ruling coalition contacted MQM-P after Pakistan Peoples’ Party set condition that it will not contest by-elections on vacant NA seats only if Awami National Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan boycott upcoming polls a day earlier. Reliable sources disclosed that MQM-P will make decision after considering all of facts on ground. “Circumstances of Punjab were different from Sindh and Karachi,” sources said while quoting MQM-P said. Sources told this scribe that PPP demanded coalition parties should jointly announce boycott of by-polls as it refuses to leave field empty for ANP and MQM-P. PPP leadership was divided on boycotting polls as majority of party members were against ANP and MQM contesting elections. “PDM would suffer political damage if both parties contest polls,” sources said while quoting PPP. By-polls on 33 NA seats would be held on March 16.

Earlier on February 10, it was reported that ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz has urged coalition parties to not contest by-elections due to fear of defeat. Sources said that PML-N delegation met Pakistan Peoples’ Party leaders and requested to not contest upcoming by-polls. PML-N leaders expressed fear that it is an inappropriate time to contest elections.

They said that defeat in by-elections will impact vote bank of coalition parties in general polls. They expressed suspicions that another wave of inflation following International Monetary Fund agreement will increase disappointment among voters.

Sources said that PML-N has also requested other political parties in Karachi to avoid taking part in upcoming by-elections.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 17 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.