KARACHI: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf leader Imran Ismail demanded that the Election Commission of Pakistan declare results of the by-polls at NA-245 null and void, after their candidate Amjadullah Khan stepped down in favour of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement hours before polling began.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Ismail apologized to PTI workers saying that it was his idea to give a party ticket to Amjadullah. “How could he suddenly find problems with the PTI when he contested the election on the party’s ticket.”
Ismail alleged that Amjadullah had previously been disturbed by an attack on a PTI election camp. He said that he might have left the party after being pressurized by the MQM.
Hours before polling officially began, Amjadullah made a last minute announcement ina press conference at the MQM's Nine-Zero headquarters.
"With great regret, I have to say that people like me are unable tofit in parties like thePTI," said Amjadullah, flanked by senior MQM leaders.
He said thatclass differences between rich and poor werepresent in the PTI, and that there was aserious lack of discipline in the Karachi chapter of the PTI, prompting him to leave the party.
Amjadullah added that he faced a lot of problems from the local PTI leaders in preparing for the NA-245 by-poll, and thatPTI chairman Imran Khan never contacted him regarding the election campaign.
Pakistan People’s Party Karachi chief Najmi Alam said that the PTI candidate had withdrawn in favour of MQM for monetary benefits. “Amjadullah approached the PPP last night offering to withdraw in favour of the PPP candidate in exchange of some monetary benefit. When the PPP declined to help him he approached a second party,” he said, adding that the PTI should be careful as to who they award the party ticket.
Amjadullah, who has now joined the MQM held his second press conference of the day to respond to the allegations against him. "I have joined the MQM of my own will. I have not been bribed. The PPP should refrain from childish politics," he said.
He said he owned a profitable industry and was financially well off.
He said that he had joined the PTI because he was impressed by Imran Khan. "But he was disappointed by the PTI Karachi leadership, and so he left the party."