KARACHI: Election fever has gripped Pakistan’s turbulent Sindh province but the voters are keeping the political parties guessing.
Exciting and close contests are on the cards as two sacked premiers, Benazir Bhutto and Mohammad Khan Junejo and the caretaker prime minister, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, stake their claim for top slots.
Five former chief ministers, Mumtaz Ali Bhutto, Syed Ghaus Ali Shah, Akhtar Qazi, Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Aftab Shaban Mirani and the present chief minister, Jam Sadiq Ali, besides a host of former federal and provincial ministers in the caretaker cabinet are also in the fray.
A total of 350 candidates are contesting for 46 national assembly seats in Sindh.
Fast paced developments since August 6 have kept the pendulum swinging from one party to another, there was Sympathy wave of sorts for Bhutto soon after Ishaq Khan dismissed her govt. “But within weeks, disillusionment set in as details of corruption and abuse of office unfolded, “a Karachi based political commentator said.
Bhutto’s husband, ASIF Ali Zardari’s alleged involvement in scandals and his subsequent arrest are being considered as crucial factors that have eroded the credibility of the Pakistan People’s party.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 26, 1990
