By Riaz Narijo
DADU: Former Sindh chief minister and senior Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader Liaquat Ali Jatoi launched a scathing attack on the PPP-led Sindh government, alleging widespread corruption, electoral rigging, and self-serving constitutional amendments. He claimed his alliance would secure 70 per cent of seats in the next general elections.
Addressing a large public gathering and later speaking to the media in his native village of Nawab Jatoi near Dadu, Jatoi said he had been struggling against “corrupt rulers” for the past 18 years but was repeatedly prevented from winning through manipulation. “The present rulers are a product of rigging, yet we are ready to face every political contest,” he asserted.
He emphasised that his political legacy was rooted in public service and warned that those who had played a role in the creation of Pakistan could not be sidelined easily. “The ruling elite fears educated and conscious representatives in assemblies because they raise their voices and question injustice. That is why genuine representatives of the people are pushed aside,” he said.
Expressing hope that the new year would bring change, Jatoi said people were no longer willing to bear further economic and political burdens. He announced that the GDA would align with all forces opposing “oppressive rulers” and reaffirmed his alliance with Pir Sahib Pagara, noting that the Pagara family had never compromised on principles. He also claimed that during recent tensions with India, the Mujahideen associated with Pir Pagara had played an active and effective role.
Commenting on constitutional amendments, the former chief minister said he had no objection to changes made in the public interest but alleged that current amendments served only to protect personal power and vested interests.
He further criticised rampant corruption, saying that even legitimate work in state institutions now required bribery, a situation he described as intolerable. “People are fed up with inflation, unemployment and misgovernance and now want a decisive change,” he added.
Other speakers at the meeting, including Sardar Ashiq Zounar, Sardar Imdad Laghari and Niaz Barro, also criticised the government’s policies and expressed full confidence in Liaquat Ali Jatoi’s leadership.
