With intensified preparations underway by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for its rally on October 28 and by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) for its October 30 rally, an apparent cutthroat competition to politically supersede each other, the Sharif brothers are under severe pressure to maintain their political domination and reprove their invincible stature in Punjab, especially in Lahore.
This is the first time the PML-N is facing new political rival the PTI, which looks firm to outsmart the PML-N on its home ground by organising a major big public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan to outdo the PML-N rally at Nasir Bagh. “Being a new entrant, Imran has a win-win situation. If he fails to gather the public, he will receive minimum damage. However, if the PML-N does not put up a mega show, Nawaz Sharif’s popularity will hit rock bottom,” a senior PML-N leader said.
He said for several reasons, the Sharifs were little nervous in dealing with the upcoming “show of rallies”, believing that the PML-N had an unconquerable vote bank and was blessed with full services of state machinery for creating a real thriller on October 28. However, if Imran Khan, an immature politician according to the PML-N, put up an outstanding performance by gathering thousands of people, it would cast a bad omen on Sharifs, he opined.
“Punjab and its capital Lahore is believed to be the citadel of the PML-N, which has been also proven by results of last election in which the PML-N got sweeping victory in Punjab and broke all previous record in Lahore by winning all seats, except one for the PPP. The PML-N is also enjoying its government in Punjab. Despite all gains, the PML-N leadership is uncertain about the success of its October 28 meeting,” the former member of PML-N CWC revealed.
It would also be a litmus test for the PML-N ahead of general election, as whoever puts up a better show is expected to sweep the election. The PML-N has good track record of public shows, substantiated by its huge rallies during the governor’s rule in Punjab. But the question remains whether the feat can be repeated. As rally day draws closer, the situation heats up, as the PML-N and PTI have unleashed a massive display of banners, corner meetings and establishing camps at all major intersections of the city.
Both parties have hired drummers and installed stereos at their respective camps, which are heavily embellished with party flags, leaders’ pictures and buntings. The PML-N has held various small public meetings in connection with the October 28 public meeting to be taken out from Nasir Bagh to Bhaati Chowk. Most of them have been addressed by Hamza Shahbaz, considered to be the political heir of the Sharif brothers and PML-N firebrand Khawaja Saad Rafique.
The PTI has also organized various functions to keep the morale high. But on the issue of luxurious arrangements regarding camps, events and transportation, people feel the PTI is being funded by the establishment or agencies, as such extravagance was beyond the party’s sources. Meanwhile, the PTI leadership accused the PML-N of removing their banners, saying the banner-removal drive was a sign of panic on part of the Sharifs.
PTI will surely win this contest inshaAllah
According to me imran has already won . . . the way PML-N is taking this challange by imran has completely exposed the psychological dominnance of imran on them . . . and i do agree that it is after a long time someone in punjab is giving a tough time to sharif brothers . . .
About how PTI is geting money for its resources…This proves that the revolution is on its way..I my self pay monthly donations to PTI and I know several of my friends do…This Party is the best party of Pakistan…Now not only people are coming towards PTI..they are donating also…All this Establishment link is just another propaganda of Mian brothers..any PTI supporter knows from where the money is coming as we all donate to PTI..I have never seen Mian League that much scared before..this shows the true facts on the grounds..Youth have decided they will defeat this political mafia..its time for Pakistani youth to run this country..
My vote and support is for change in pakistan. I see a true,sincere and credible leader in the form of imran khan. Imran khan is the voice of youth in pakistan. Allah bless you.
@ Saeed: Salute to you and your friends yar 🙂 My friends in Canada have been paying $50.00 per month to PTI..the money comes from the masses because we believe in the party. InshaAllah change is here and its going to build up the movement 🙂
@ Saeed & Shaiz: great job. We also contribute from Halifax, Canada. Also IK got on average $75K from each stop during his recent USA/UK trips. This tour was to raise funds primarily for the party. That's how the party gets its funding. There was no need for PakToday to insert those baseless allegations re source of PTI's income. Not a good journalism on their part!
Insha ALLAH pti again haray gi…ye baat likh k rakh lo sab log 😉
Nawaz doesn't deserve a third chance. What did he do when he got 2/3rd majority. We cant trust him anymore.
Driving on the Mall the other day was an extremely frustrating and inconvenient for the commuters. There are huge political banners by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plastered with the faces of their respective leaders and they are covering almost the entire road. These banners are advertising their Lahore rallies and it feels like there is a competition over who will have not only the bigger banners but also who will have the most. These advertisements are not only distracting; they are causing enormous inconvenience to the commuters who are stuck in traffic jam. Both the parties have not even paid the fees for advertisement space. I would have thought that the leaders of these parties were educated enough to know that such means of rallying are a source of nuisance and frustration for the people. What sort of these rallies are? Rather than working for the welfare of the population these parties are creating more problems for the people. Infact it is a good way of publicity, but why leaders of both the parties don’t realize that gone are the days when such tactics were used to influence people. People look for practical work, not demonstration, rallies and mere lip services.
Imran khan …. V all are coming on 30oct
Get everyone you know to join – this is sort of a semi final – must win situation. i wish there were more coverage … a view from a helicopter or something to show the people. Normally PTI cameras don't capture more than what one can see from stage. Yes, people should donate. I do as well from Canada!
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