GDA wants PML-N to seek success guarantee from powers that be

Before finalising their electoral alliance against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) has formally asked the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to call for influential quarters to ensure a level playing field for the GDA in Sindh.

A source in the GDA told The News that earlier this month, a PML-N delegation had visited the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional House, in which leaders of the GDA discussed prospects of an alliance between the GDA and PML-N.

During the meeting, the GDA leaders demanded that the PML-N leaders persuade the power that be to ensure a level playing field in Sindh for the alliance.

The GDA source said the PPP had created a large bureaucratic cadre in the province during its 15-year rule and all those officers were loyal to the PPP and would try to influence the election results.

He revealed that the GDA was also of the view that if the PML-N had been assured of success in the upcoming general elections, a guarantee should also be given to the GDA. When asked whether the Sindh PML-N leadership had contacted some sidelined GDA leaders to invite them to joining the PML-N, an important leader of the GDA who asked not be named replied in the positive.

“A former bureaucrat who has recently joined the PML-N has no idea about politics. This is why he contacted our people. However, the GDA sent a strong message to the PML-N and told them not to offer such invitations in the future as it may affect our possible alliance. We are also waiting for the PML-N’s response to whether it could ensure a level playing field for us or not,” the GDA leader said.

He went on to say that efforts to shift loyalties of its leaders was not a new phenomenon for the GDA. In the past, when the GDA had allied itself with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), efforts were made to convince several GDA leaders to join the PTI, he said. “We held a press conference and also complained to Imran Khan about this.”

Meanwhile, GDA chief Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi, also known as Pir Pagara, has approved the alliance’s decision to field candidates in every constituency in Sindh in the coming general elections. However, Pir Pagara would continue discussions with other political parties regarding possible alliances. This decision was made in a consultative meeting of the GDA's core committee presided over by Pir Pagara. The meeting was attended by Sadaruddin Shah Rashdi, Dr Safdar Abbasi, Dr Fehmida Mirza, Syed Mazhar Hussain Shah, Syed Zain Shah, Ayaz Latif Palijo, Sardar Abdul Rahim, Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, Irfanullah Marwat, Syed Muhammad Rashid Shah and others.

It was decided in the meeting that the alliance’s organisational efforts in Sindh would be accelerated, and a public gathering under the leadership of Pir Pagara would be held soon.

The meeting also discussed ongoing talks with various political, religious and nationalist parties, including the PML-N and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan.

The GDA leaders also expressed concerns over the Election Commission’s conduct, stating that the electoral body was yet to address the issue of removal of bureaucrats in Sindh. In a statement, the GDA said transparent elections were impossible under the current caretaker government and provincial election commissioner.