LAHORE: Tensions are running high in Lahore’s Model Town Cooperative society as two rival groups, along with third-party candidates, are duking it out for the society’s upcoming elections amidst allegations of corruption, nepotism, political involvement, and vandalism.
The Model Town society has been holding elections since before partition. However, this year’s election set to be held on February 25 is the first of its kind as the incumbent society President Sahibzada Saifur Rehman Khan is running for an unprecedented third term in office.
Facing off against the incumbent is the Sahibzada’s immediate predecessor, Colonel (r) Tahir Kardar, who has previously served two terms as the society’s president.
The otherwise civil and highbrowed nature of the society and its members seem to be at stake, as the opposition lead by Colonel Kardar is running on the campaign slogans of “no to corruption” and “respect to members”.
Moreover, the campaign posters hung all over the town, have also seen incidents of vandalism which both parties blame on each other.
Many of the current president’s critics also claim that there exist serious discrepancies in some of the projects that the Sahibzada has initiated, as well as issues in the sale of the property.
However, investigations into these matters have not turned up anything as of yet.
“Ever since he has been president, we have seen his wealth growing exponentially,” one society member concerned with the upcoming elections said.
“I have been a voter of the Sahibzada for the past few elections. We just want to know about his links with the Model Town Property Dealers Association and why the society offices are next to inoperational,” he added.
It is significant to note that the society elections are supposed to be free from any political influence, however, a number of significant politicians do reside in the society. Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Sharif both often reside in Model Town, as does former Lahore Mayor Mian Amir.
While there is no overt political support, it is worth mentioning that Mian Amir has been a vocal supporter of the Sahibzada in the past and contributes to his electioneering funds. Hamza Shehbaz has also accompanied the current administration on numerous society events.
On the other side, the president has denied any and all allegations, declaring that his opposition is simply getting nervous and trying to malign him.
“Just look at our achievements. Model Town hospital, building of wedding halls, carpeting of roads, repossession of seized land, the completion of the community centre, updating of the Model Town park and the building of Model Town club – we have gotten so much done in these few years,” he told Pakistan Today.
“The property rates have risen exponentially! Where once a plot was worth 10 million, it is now hitting rates of 50 million!” he added.
Regarding the vandalism, he says that it was a typical technique used by people to gain sympathy.
“When campaign posters are torn, people automatically sympathise with the affected party. We have faced such tactics before and we will come through this time as we have in the past,” he said.