A thing that is not so common in politics around the world just happened in Pakistan.
A Pakistani politician, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, who was announced winner of PS-129 provincial election in Karachi, has given up his seat.
This was after making it clear that he will not accept an “illegitimate win”.
Pakistan held its national and provincial elections on February 8, 2024.
Rehman, who contested on the platform of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, said the election was rigged in his favour against independent candidate Saif Bari.
Bari is backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party.
Rehman was named winner of PS-129 in the controversial national elections after polling over 26,000 votes.
The Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, however, said he discovered Bari’s votes were reduced from 31,000 to 11,000 when records of votes polled at individual polling stations were computed.
He said he would not accept an illegitimate victory, hence his decision to step down.
“If anyone wants to make us win in an illegitimate manner, we will not be accepting that,” Rehman was quoted as saying on Monday, February 19.
“Public opinion should be respected. Let the winner win; let the loser lose; no one should get anything extra.”
Also Read: Shocking! Corpses Rape On The Rise In Pakistan
The polls were marred by allegations of interference and widespread fraud, but Pakistani electoral authorities have denied the claims.
It is yet to be announced who will take over Rehman’s PS-129 seat.
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