Presidential election campaigning heats up

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan prepares for the presidential election on July 30, the ruling PML-N and opposition PPP have stepped up their efforts to gain support for their candidates.

According to sources, a party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif decided that PML-N candidate Mamnoon Hussain will meet leaders of political parties prior to the election.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also met with the prime minister on Thursday. A JUI-F spokesman said the decision on which presidential candidate the party would support is going to be made in a meeting on Friday. Prime Minister Sharif said all political parties would be contacted to get maximum support for the PML-N nominee in the upcoming presidential election.

On the other hand, PPP presidential candidate Raza Rabbani along with party leaders met ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Wali said his party would support any decision taken by the PPP. Rabbani said that the PPP would consult other parties on whether the presidential election should be contested.

The PPP delegation also met PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. According to the PML-Q chief, efforts of the government and opposition to put forward one presidential candidate had failed due to the PML-N.

PPP leaders also met with Quami Watan party chief, Aftab Sherpao who said that Rabbani should be given an opportunity, while no decision had been taken on boycotting the election.

A PPP delegation led by Aitzaz Ahsan met PTI chairman Imran Khan. Following the meeting which he described as pleasant, Ahsan said the nation would hear good news tomorrow (Friday).

Over in Karachi, PTI candidate Justice (retd) Wajihuddin Ahmed said that there was a lack of good governance in Pakistan and the election should be held on the basis of merit. Ahmed added that the PTI would not be boycotting the presidential election but was willing to talk with the PPP and PML-N on a joint candidate.