SWABI: In a resolute statement during a corner meeting in his constituency, Asad Qaiser, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Speaker of the National Assembly, revealed that he faced considerable pressure to leave the party.
However, Qaiser asserted that the unwavering respect shown to him by Imran Khan has compelled him to stay loyal, stating, “I received attractive offers and encountered immense pressure to depart from PTI, but as a Swabi Pakhtun, I cannot abandon Imran Khan. I live and die with him.”
Addressing the crowd, Qaiser emphasized the power of the vote and the importance of decisions resting with the people. He stressed that the ultimate verdict would be made through the democratic process of voting, reaffirming his commitment to the party and its leader.
In the backdrop of political developments, the Election Commission has allocated various symbols to key PTI candidates for the upcoming elections. Notable symbols include a ‘wheelchair’ for Imran Khan, a ‘racket’ for Salman Akram Raja, and a ‘cricket stump’ for Mian Azhar from NA-129.
Other symbols assigned include a ‘bottle’ for Shahryar Afridi, a ‘piala’ for Shandana Gulzar, and a ‘chamta’ for Mehr Banu Qureshi. Shaukat Yousafzai received the symbol of a ‘racket,’ Zain Qureshi got ‘shoes,’ and Dr. Riaz Long obtained the ‘rocket’ symbol. Additionally, various candidates from different constituencies were assigned symbols such as ‘dice,’ ‘letterbox,’ and ‘fridge.’
The Election Commission also disclosed symbols for PTI candidates in specific constituencies, with Meher Riaz Fatiana from NA-107 receiving a ‘chair,’ Ashfa Riaz Fatiana and Syeda Sonia Ali Raza Shah from PP-123 and PP-124 respectively being allotted the ‘bowl’ symbol. Azhar Siddique from NA-122 secured the ‘medal,’ Latif Khosa received the ‘alphabet (K),’ and Afzal Azim Pahat was assigned ‘radio’ from NA-123. Sardar Azimullah from NA-124 obtained ‘ghari,’ while Zameer Ahmed received the symbol of a ‘dolphin,’ and Jameel Asghar Bhatti from NA-125 got the symbol of ‘dhool.’
As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming elections, these developments underscore the significance of party loyalty, individual choices, and the diverse symbols that will represent candidates in their electoral campaigns.
