The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) has issued a call for protest, rejecting the recently announced election results. The protest is scheduled to commence on Friday, February 16, at Hyderabad Bypass. Addressing a press conference following a crucial meeting of the GDA leadership, Pir Sahib Pagara, the head of GDA, voiced strong objections to the outcome of the elections, alleging them to be anti-state elections orchestrated by Asif Ali Zardari, undermining the democratic process.
Pagara stated, “We reject these elections because they were not fair. Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif could not do what Zardari has done. We have been advised to end the GDA alliance and form an alliance with the Functional Muslim League to secure our national and provincial seats, but I told them that GDA cannot be dissolved. In response, I was warned that otherwise, the result would be zero.”
The press conference, attended by prominent GDA members including Pir Sahib Pagara, Syed Sadruddin Shah Rashdi, Syed Ghaus Ali Shah, and others, emphasized the alliance’s discontent with the electoral process and results. Pagara further stated, “This is not the work of the ROs. It’s not just about ROs. The entire province was handed over to Zardari. Why was there a need for elections? We are not anti-state; we are part of this country. He reiterated the GDA’s commitment to peaceful protest, stating, “No one will stop ambulances during our protests, nor will family vehicles be hindered. If the establishment is displeased with our protests, then they can leave just like a son leaves his father’s house when he is unhappy.”
Responding to questions about possible establishment dissatisfaction with their protests, Pagara remarked, “When a son is unhappy with his father, he leaves home. Imran Khan is not related to me, but the youth of the PTI played a commendable role in this election, for which I salute them.” During the press conference, GDA leader Safdar Abbasi announced plans for the upcoming protest in Hyderabad, stating, “We will enhance our protest’s scope and reach out to other parties as well. On the day of the assembly session, we will protest outside the Sindh Assembly.
Our two assembly members will not take oaths. Nisar Durrani has turned these elections into a farce. We cannot accept voter fraud. We mourn the Larkana incident in the strongest terms. Cases have been filed against Murtaza Jatoi and Erfanullah Marwat. These are revengeful actions that we will not tolerate.” Safdar Abbas further added, “Pir Pagara will lead the protest on February 16.
We will move forward with GDA under Pir Pagara’s leadership. Thousands will participate in the protest. Three different committees have been formed for the protest.”
