LAHORE: The PPP regrets that party manifestos are being ignored in the “politics of electables” currently in vogue in the country.

“Today, the politics of electables is at its peak in the country which is diverting focus of voters, media and parties from manifestos,” lamented PPP central election cell in-charge Taj Haider. “Politics should be issue-oriented and not personality-specific as the latter will be detrimental to national interest as well as democracy.”

He was speaking at a press conference here on Sunday. Mr Haider said there was an increasing trend even among media persons to centre their discussions around electables, who were first with retired Gen Musharraf, then turned to Nawaz Sharif after learning that the army was with the former premier, and then jumped on the Imran Khan bandwagon abandoning the deposed PM when an impression was given that the army was with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief.

Around two weeks ago, they rode the ‘jeep’ (one of the election symbols for independent candidates) as an impression was built that the establishment was now supporting those contesting on this symbol, he added.

Responding to a query, the PPP leader said his party was always against making dents into political parties considering it will weaken democracy. Friends of the PPP would not accept pressure to switch loyalties though there were differences over distribution of tickets.

The former senator alleged that the incumbent Federal Investigation Agency director general (DG) was biased and using his office to the benefit of his brother, who is contesting the July 25 polls.

He said data of the DG’s mobile phone could reveal the whole situation.

He further told a questioner that apparently no party seemed to be gaining a comfortable majority to form government on its own and the split mandate would lead to a hung parliament.

Referring to Nawaz Sharif and his daughter’s statements against certain institutions, he said the PPP was against confrontation with institutions for averting chaos in the country.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2018