People's Verdict

How did PPPP bag 60% of the seats in Balochistan and Pukhtunkhua (provinces bordering Afghanistan)??? They got 17/99 in Pukhtunkhua and 7/51 in Balochistan. Even if you include PPPP-Sherpao's 5 seats in Pukhtunkhua it doesn't even add up to 20%.
Jungraiz Pukhtunyar

My apologies, I just re-read the article and you meant to say that PPPP+ANP got 60% of the seats. My bad,
Jungraiz Pukhtunyar

I don't beleive that ANP's rule in the province will have any positive effect on crubing Taleban of Afghanistan. Unfortunatley provincial govs are not as powerful in Pakistan. Their good showing in the election may have a postive effect in terms of a moral defeat to those inspired by some MMA leadership though.
Jungraiz Pukhtunyar

It is very intriguing that the general swing against Mush all over the country could have hardly any effect on the voters in Karachi . Is it sheer rigging by MQM administration or show of 'people's power' by 'Matarua-gardi'?

I think the Pakistani people, the political parties, the military and Musharraf deserve a lot of credit for free, fair and peaceful polls. It happened in spite of all the predictions to the contrary. The vote, in my humble opinion, is not based on any ideological leaning or higher ideals. It is more of a protest vote, a backlash against the ruling parties including PML(Q) and MMA for failing to address the basic bread, fuel, electricity and security issues, particularly in the last several months. This result presents a tough challenge to the winners to deliver quickly. The expectations of the electorate are high in terms the basic bread and butter issues they want addressed. The worldwide inflation of the food and fuel prices will make it especially difficult.
As to the MQM retaining its strength, I think it's because MQM brought home the beef (aka pork in the US) to build a lot of the infrastructure and new construction that created jobs and prosperity for the people of Karachi. It was possible because MQM shared power at the Federal level. They will probably maneuver to stay on the good side of whoever is in charge after the elections.
Riaz Haq, PakAlumni Worldwide

Re: # 5
But, excuse me dear RH, my question has not been answered. The same factors which, as you say, worked in favour of MQM why could they not work for Q, especially in Punjab and Islamabad, with an added factor of ethnic aversion against Mush?

Re: # 6

Here is the reason dear Chowkies: see

'NaiTazi.com' showing video of rigging by MQM.