Government Is Using Weather as an Excuse to Avoid Local Elections, Public Stands with HDP: Abdul Khaliq Hazara

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat):** Chairman of the **Hazara Democratic Party (HDP)**, **Abdul Khaliq Hazara**, has accused the provincial government of using weather conditions as a pretext to **delay local government elections** and escape the democratic process. He said the people of Quetta are fully prepared for elections and will expose the “imposed and fake government” through the ballot.

He expressed these views while addressing a **large public gathering near the party’s central office on Alamdar Road**, where he also inaugurated the **central election office for HDP’s local government candidates**. Separate rallies were also held in **Hazara Town and Pashtoon Bagh**.

Addressing the gathering, Abdul Khaliq Hazara said claims that people have migrated from Quetta due to winter conditions are **mere excuses**. “The weather is normal, and citizens are ready. Only elections are being delayed to avoid defeat,” he said. He added that if the government believes the law and order situation is not suitable for elections, it should **morally step aside and admit its failures**.

He strongly criticized the provincial government over **so-called development projects**, stating that Quetta has been pushed toward destruction, with roads dug up across the city, presenting scenes of devastation. He said it would take years to recover from the damage caused by the current rulers.

HDP leaders emphasized that the party played a **key role in local government legislation**, noting that the party’s Information Secretary had played a crucial role in passing the local government law in the previous assembly. They said a strong local government system is essential to ensure **grassroots representation** in Quetta, which the ruling parties fear as it would expose their true performance.

The speakers accused the government of repeatedly approaching courts to delay elections, warning that such tactics would not succeed. They argued that only a very small number of people temporarily leave Quetta during winter, while the vast majority lack the resources to relocate and remain fully prepared to vote.

HDP leaders said the party has fielded a **large number of candidates in Chiltan and Zarghoon Towns** and expressed confidence that the public would vote massively in favor of HDP candidates to bring meaningful change. They asserted that **only HDP has the capacity to restore order, governance, and development in Quetta**.

After the gathering, participants marched in the form of a **large rally**, parading through various roads of the city while chanting slogans in support of the party.