Pir Pagara Leads GDA Protest Against Alleged Election Rigging, Calls for Transparency
If Imran Khan is a thief, we all are thieves: Pir Pagara. Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) Chief Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi, popularly known as Pir Pagara, spearheaded a protest demonstration decrying alleged rigging in the 2024 General Elections.
Addressing the gathering at Hyderabad Bypass, Pir Pagara asserted that the elections were effectively ‘sold’ three months prior, underscoring his decision to abstain from an election campaign. He lamented the absence of a clear national leadership emerging from the elections, highlighting a perceived void in central representation.
The protest, he clarified, was not directed against any specific party or institution but rather aimed at denouncing electoral irregularities. Pir Pagara predicted a short lifespan for the current coalition government under prevailing circumstances.
Notably, he acknowledged the unprecedented voter turnout on February 8, particularly citing the surprising support garnered by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates nationwide. Pir Pagara emphasized the historic significance of independent aspirants securing majority votes, a first in Pakistan’s electoral history.
Refuting allegations against PTI, Pir Pagara dismissed notions of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s involvement in electoral misconduct, declaring, “If he is a thief, we all are thieves too.”
Echoing Pir Pagara’s sentiments, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed dissatisfaction over seat allocations in Karachi, citing discrepancies between vote shares and parliamentary representation.
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Similarly, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Rashid Soomro demanded the nullification of Sindh’s election results, urging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct transparent re-elections in the province. He further hinted at potential resistance against newly elected officials taking their oaths if permitted by Pir Pagara.
GDA leader Fehmida Mirza advocated for a unified front among Sindh’s political parties to address alleged rigging, commending Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s collaborative approach in devising a joint strategy.
The protest, marked by a fervent call for transparency and electoral fairness, underscores the growing demand for accountability within Pakistan’s political landscape.
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