Politics in Pakistan is considered a territory of the elite class. However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), while denying this fact, gave chances to many people belonging to the middle class.
Recently, the ruling PTI has nominated a middle-class youth, Amjad Iqbal Afridi, for the upcoming by-polls on the National Assembly constituency NA 249 Karachi West II. Despite the presence of candidates like PML-N’s Miftah Ismail, Amjad Afridi looks optimistic for victory.
M.M News got an opportunity to sit with PTI leader Amjad Afridi to know the future line of action of his party and his preparations for the forthcoming by-elections.
MM News: When did you start your political career? And why did you choose PTI?
Amjad Afridi: I started my career in 2007 and was later appointed senior vice president of my constituency. From then, I am trying to address the issues of the people. In the beginning, people were not very familiar with PTI, so we used to tell them about Imran Khan. I was a supporter of Imran Khan since childhood. He ruled the world of cricket and made Pakistan a world champion. That’s the reason I chose PTI.
MM News: What have you achieved since joining politics?
Amjad Afridi: In the 2013 intra-party elections, I was elected President of the Youth Wing Karachi, after which I worked for five consecutive years for the awareness of the youth. Meanwhile, we started trying to solve the long-standing problems of the people of the area and also continued to organize different campuses. I will continue to serve the citizens from PTI platform.
MM News: PTI’s steps in your constituency?
Amjad Afridi: Working at the lower level is the responsibility of the local government but unfortunately, the PPP-led Sindh government didn’t take any steps in this regard. Later, Prime Minister Imran Khan released the development funds and Faisal Vawda has done a lot of work for this constituency.
MM News: Your services for the victims of Baldia factory tragedy
Amjad Afridi: Baldia incident is one of the darkest chapters in the history of Pakistan. We fought for justice together with the victims and also called Imran Khan Sahib in Baldia. I attended almost all the court hearings just for the families of the victims.
MM News: Your take on the Imran Khan’s state of Madinah?
Amjad Afridi: As a Muslim, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) is the greatest role model for us and Imran Khan vowed to make Pakistan welfare state like Madinah. History tells us that the state of Madinah is still a great example for the whole world. Imran Khan is the only politician who has taken up the cause of the Madina-style system in Pakistan and we will surely succeed in making Pakistan a welfare state.
MM News: PTI’s steps for Kashmir and Palestine?
Amjad Afridi: After the formation of PTI government, Prime Minister Imran Khan raised his voice for the Muslims of Kashmir and Palestine from the UN platform. Imran Khan drew the attention of the world community to the atrocities perpetrated on Palestinians and Kashmiris. And today, voices are being raised all over the world, and the credit goes to our leader Imran Khan.
MM News: What steps did PTI take in Baldia during pandemic?
Amjad Afridi: The people of the constituency faced severe hardships during the coronavirus outbreak, but in the meantime, we registered more than 30,000 people in the Ehsaas program. We also distributed ration bags, set up campuses and helped them in every possible way.
MM News: Is it easy to contest elections on Faisal Vawda’s vacant seat?
Amjad Afridi: I am grateful to the Tehreek-e-Insaf for giving me a ticket for Faisal Vawda’s vacant seat in NA-249. And as far as by-elections are concerned, it’s me against the whole mafia. I think contesting elections in this constituency is not an easy task but I have faith in Almighty Allah and the people of the constituency are with PTI so the victory will be ours.
