ISLAMABAD: In the aftermath of his defeat to PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari in the presidential election, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, supported by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), reflected on the fairness of the polls in Islamabad. Achakzai lauded the uniqueness of the election, noting that, for the first time, votes were not subject to buying or selling.
Addressing the media, Achakzai acknowledged a growing societal divide between those susceptible to monetary influence and those impervious to such tactics. Expressing his thanks to the PTI leadership for their backing, he highlighted the unexpected support received, even from lawmakers not aligned with PTI.
Turning his attention to the charged political atmosphere in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Achakzai issued a cautionary message, urging collective responsibility and unity. He questioned the appropriateness of taking parliamentary disputes to court, stressing the need for a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Emphasizing the substantial challenges faced by the nation, Achakzai underscored the imperative of mitigating the heightened political environment. He cautioned against minor errors that could have far-reaching consequences and appealed to all stakeholders to join forces for the greater benefit of the country.
In a historic turn of events, Asif Ali Zardari, the coalition government’s candidate, secured a second term as president with a resounding victory. Zardari garnered an impressive 411 votes from the electoral college, surpassing Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who enjoyed the backing of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). The election outcome highlighted not only the political dynamics at play but also the evolving landscape of transparency and accountability within the democratic process.
