Wednesday came as another setback for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the form of 67 former Nazims (mayors) from Lahore, considered a stronghold of PML-N, joining Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In a ceremony arranged in Lahore, Imran Khan vowed to introduce a local body system and promised if PTI comes to power; his government would conduct local government elections within 90 days.
Khan criticised the previous Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and PML-N governments for not holding local government elections.
“Pakistan is the only country where there is no local bodies’ system,” he said, adding that instead of improving the system introduced by former president Pervez Musharraf, they abolished it completely.
He said PTI is committed to putting in place the system, adding that carrying out development work is the responsibility of local bodies.
He said ex-chief minister Shahbaz Sharif had more funds at his disposal than the prime minister but he did nothing for the sake of the province and the country.
He said that nowhere in the world are members of parliament given welfare funds. “Their function is legislation only,” he said.
“If PTI comes to power, it would introduce and promote reforms in the country,” said Khan.
Thana and katchehry (lower courts and police stations) culture would be exterminated from the country, he vowed.
Quoting a Hadith, Khan said the faithful cannot be deceived by the same person twice, emphasising that corrupt politicians should not be elected in the upcoming general elections.
Khan reiterated that his party would not enter into electoral alliance with anyone. “We will make an alliance with the people of Pakistan,” said the PTI chief.
Khan also urged overseas Pakistanis to take responsibility for development of 50,000 villages across the country.
Meanwhile, addressing a mass gathering in Shahkot on Wednesday, Khan said Pakistan could become the world’s richest country should good governance and rule of law reign supreme here.
Khan said if voted to power, PTI would abolish the culture of police stations and lower courts, and would file cases against those who level fake charges.
Addressing another public meeting in Nankana Sahib, the PTI chief said his party‚ if voted to power‚ will introduce a new local bodies system in the country.
Khan said all facilities would be provided to the masses at their door steps.
He said development funds would be utilised for the betterment of people and not as political bribes.
The PTI chairman said a society on the basis of equality and justice would be established‚ which would be free of corruption.