ISLAMABAD - Imran Khan’s PTI and the ruling PML-N hurled last-minute claims of corruption at each other as campaigning in the bitter battle for NA-122 closed last light.
The PTI leader addressed a rally last night at which he repeated allegations that the prime minister’s party was guilty of electoral fraud, while PML-N leaders accused Imran Khan’s party of accepting ‘Jewish funds.’
Imran Khan had earlier launched his party’s campaign as a proxy battle between himself and Nawaz Sharif. Last night he said: “Both the Punjab and federal governments are my competitors in this contest.”
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif complained about the PTI leader’s abusive language and said: “The sporty politician should avoid lashing out with cursive language.”
Election campaign of both main parties breached all the election rules to woo voters after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) code of conduct was effectively suspended by the Lahore High Court.
The suspension allowed ministers, advisors and public office holders to campaign openly on behalf of the candidates.
The seat fell vacant after an election tribunal disqualified Ayaz Sadiq, then Speaker National Assembly, as MNA over massive irregularities in 2013 polls.
His forced resignation was a major setback for the ruling PML-N. Imran Khan’s party said the irregularities were part of a pattern of ballot fraud which robbed the PTI of victory in the 2013 election.
The result of the by-polls to be held on Sunday will be a make or break development for both the main contestants.
While Premier Sharif has personally remained out of the fray, his cabinet members, including Railways Minister Khwaja Saad Rafique and Information Minister Pervez Rashid have played their active roles.
Imran Khan and his close aides left no stone unturned to influence voters in favour of their candidate Aleem Khan.
Jamaat Islami (JI) and other religious political parties, including Shia clerics withdrew their candidates in favour of PTI.
It has not been an easy fight for the ruling PML-N. The involvement of both Punjab and federal governments to influence the polls signaled a close contest. There were further signs of the government’s anxiety when Premier Sharif directed his legal team to restore the multi-billion Farmers Package.
The ECP suspended the package over fears that it could influence the by-election result.