Daily Times

Sir: Public meetings continue to occur despite the uncertain political atmosphere in Pakistan. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) is flexing its political muscles by holding huge public gatherings in the heartland of the PML-N support base, Punjab. Charged up gatherings mostly comprising youth chant ‘Go Nawaz Go’. The slogan, it seems has become a popular mantra, at least in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Holding large rallies is increasingly becoming a sign of popularity of a given political party. Pakistan Awami Tehreek and Pakistan People’s Party have also decided to conduct more rallies to gather political support. But for the PTI a reminder needs to be served after what happened in Qasim Bagh. Multan, on October 10. Conducting rallies at short intervals will result in mismanagement for the lack of time available to arrange, secure and manage the rally site. One is also curious to know from where all these parties are getting funds to hold mammoth rallies, especially the PTI. Just as the leader of a political party is liable to document his assets to become eligible to contest elections or to retain his seat subsequently, their parties should be penalised if the source of funds used on rallies are not disclosed or recorded with the Election Commission.

MALIK ATIF MAHMOOD MAJOKA

Melbourne,

Australia