Daily Times

Lahore: NA 120 remained the top trend in Pakistan’s Twitter space on Sunday. There were mixed reactions on the result. PML-N supporters reacted to the victory and congratulated Maryam Nawaz for leading a successful election campaign.

Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair? said, “Inspite of disqualification and all other factors loaded against, pmln still winning big in 120. Shows it remains Paks most popular party”

Member of PML-N social media team Faisal Ranjha? tweeted, “PMLN voters come out and vote, you are winning but make it a big win, turn out is low in NA 120! #PeoplesVerdict”

Journalists and neutral observers also shared their opinion on the PML-N victory and the noticeable margin of difference between votes bagged by PML-N and PTI. Journalist Asad Hashim? said, “Notes from the field: PML-N voters seemed far more connected to local party machinery, PTI voters more motivated by national political q’s.” MQM MNA Syed Ali Raza Abidi? said, “So far PTI seems to be retaining its vote bank of 2013 falling short by 20% only. PMLN is way below its target losing 60% votes yet leading.”

Anchorperson Zarrar Khuhro? said, “Unless margin swells dramatically this is more cause for concern than celebration for pmln #NA120”

Journalist Kamran Shahid? tweeted, “Kulsoom Sahiba won with deficit of PMLN trust (59000)/Trust in Nawaz Sharif led by Mariam. N significantly dropped by massive fig of 32000!”

PTI Chairman Imran Khan tweeted, “Applaud courage and determination with which Dr Yasmin Rashid fought NA120 against fed-prov-LG govt-backed PMLN with their massive funds”

PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen? said, “Extremely proud of PTI putting up an amazing fight against the might of Federal & Punjab govts well done Dr Yasmin, future belongs 2 PTI IA”

Some observers specifically praised the PTI candidate’s performance. Anchor Ayesha Khalid? said, “Not a PTI supporter but I’ll be glad for Dr Yasmin Rashid, the way she fiercely campaigned in the streets of NA 120 going door to door .”

Anchor Nadia Mirza said,? “Never seen such a massive campaign by #PMLN in their home cnstitncy #NA120 b4, shows the fear of losing. This is #PTI brought them on roads”

Anchor Javed Chaudhry? said, “In my opinion, This is a moral defeat for PMLN.. This is their home ground, yet PTI lacked by a margin of 10K votes. #NA120”

Some spoke about how PTI supporters have a habit of not accepting election results if they lose, and tend to term voters of other political parties illiterate and politically immature. User Ferman N? said, “Now a brigade will appear on social media from the “Awaam” cursing on “Awaam” #NA120 #PTI #PMLN”

Lawyer Abdullah Nizamani? tweeted, “Kalsoom Nawaz is winning on Geo and ARY which means she’ll likely win this election. Time for PTI to cry as they usually do. #NA120”

Author Yousuf Nazar? tweeted, “PML-N’s lead has shrunk from 40k votes in 2013 to 13k in 2017 or 75% more votes than PTI in 2013 to 30% in 2017. Not a good omen 4 PM”

Twitterati express concern over PPP’s poor show

Meanwhile, PPP’s absence from the scene was also noticed by the Tweeters. Some users expressed concerns that Milli Muslim League (MML), a new party known for its extremist links, managed to secure more votes than PPP.

Journalist Talat Aslam? said, “Faisal Mir a distant 4th on seat where PPP used to be runner-up. If reconciliation damaged party in Punjab, attacking N hasn’t helped either”

Activist Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi? tweeted, “Punjab Naheen Jaongi was made on PPP? The charoun soboun ki zanjeer is now restricted to Sind now. Sad. #NA120”

Journalist Owais Tohid said,? “Sad that PPP got less votes than JuD’s MML in #NA120 polls. PPP’s Faisal Mir accused MML spent more money on polls than PMLN &PTI”

Awami Workers Party spokesperson Farooq Tariq? tweeted, “Milli Muslim League is front organisation of Hafiz Saeed,Jamaat Dawaa, always supported by establishment, MML got 3000, splitting PMLN votes”

Published in Daily Times, September 18^th 2017.