KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan claimed on Monday that some Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly members affiliated with the party had sold votes in connection with the recently-concluded Senate elections.
Terming this ‘disappointing’, he said a committee had been constituted to probe the matter. Khan said strict action would be taken against such individuals.
He told journalists that many MPAs turned down offers amounting to Rs40 million. “I salute those who chose not to do so. Those who traded votes for money will be dealt with strictly,” he said.
Khan added that no state institution had bothered to launch an inquiry despite reports of MPAs selling votes. “The Election Commission should have taken immediate action.” he said, “I have been repeatedly whistle blowing against money-driven voting practices related to Senate and have called for change of election procedures”. He added that while the ECP advocated privacy for Senate votes, it failed to apprehend those who involved in horse-trading”
He said that the “godfather” who brought ruin to Karachi had escaped to London. He said the provincial government was equally responsible for handing over the city to the mafia. Karachi has been subjected to terrorism since 35 years. The chaos has barred educated middle-class from entering politics but now the situation is different and people like Imran Shan will definitely instill fresh air into city’s politics.
I have talked to Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and he is investigating to ascertain what happened, he said adding that ‘we know who paid the bribe but don’t know who pocketed the money’. Rs 40 million were paid to each MPA, the PTI chief said.
Taking a jibe at the leadership of MQM-P and PPP, he said Karachi was plundered during the past decade and nothing was done for the masses. I will contest election from Karachi and PTI will make the city a true city of lights.
