Result Card

KARACHI: This is with reference to your editorial “Result card” (May 13). Even though there is ample evidence that rigging took place in some constituencies (in two of which a vote was cast every five seconds), people were relieved that by and large the elections were free and fair. It is hoped that the next time elections are held, the Election Commission of Pakistan will ensure that no one is allowed to indulge in rigging or forcing people to vote for particular candidates.
That said, it cannot be denied that Imran Khan has changed this nation. It was at his urging that a record number of people turned out to vote, and his surging popularity caused the other two main parties to spend more money and time on their election campaigns. Pakistanis should be commended for not being cowed down by terrorists who did their best to instill fear in their hearts. As expected, the religious parties did badly, getting a mere five per cent of the total seats. The leader of one such party had the temerity to ask liberal people to get themselves enlisted as minorities. People like him would be well advised to consider themselves as minorities and refrain from taking part in politics.
Shakir Lakhani
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2013.

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