(Daily Point) — The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has encountered a series of challenges that seemingly diminish its prospects for participating in the upcoming elections as an independent party. Despite these setbacks, speculations persist within party circles, especially on social media, regarding a potential ‘Plan C.’
Originally, Plan C involved listing all PTI-backed candidates on a web portal with each candidate assigned a unique symbol. This innovative approach aimed to assist the public in identifying the PTI candidate in their constituency along with their corresponding symbol. However, concerns arose about the party’s ability to secure reserved seats, allocated through a proportional system, even if its candidates managed to win elections.
With key party leaders either in custody or in hiding, and others entangled in legal battles, no official statements have been issued by prominent PTI figures on the matter. Nonetheless, ongoing discussions center around a strategy that would enable the party to organize its members post-elections and potentially secure reserved seats in the assembly.
Rumors suggest a potential strategy wherein all PTI-backed candidates join forces with another political party to form a cohesive group. This collaborative effort could enhance the party’s chances of securing reserved seats. The speculation also addresses concerns that elected PTI members might be coerced into joining another party.
There is speculation that the Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen could be a potential partner if such a plan materializes, with online resharing of old photos depicting Barrister Gohar’s meeting with MWM’s leadership. Another variation involves the JUI-Sherani, but recent events, including Sher Afzal Marwat severing ties with PTI during a tour of Sindh, have dispelled these rumors.
Some foresee the possibility of PTI-backed candidates aligning with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to counter the PMLN more effectively. However, Imran Khan has explicitly rejected any alliance with the PPP during his interactions with reporters in Adiala Jail.
The Jamat-e-Islami emerges as another potential destination for PTI-backed candidates, considering their alliance in the local government elections in Karachi. Despite Hafiz Naeem’s call for scrutinizing PPP and PMLN’s intra-party elections akin to PTI’s, there has been no apparent communication between the leadership of these parties.
