MQM-P’s Arshad Hassan elected deputy mayor

The seat had fallen vacant after ECP de-seated Arshad Vohra for changing party affiliation

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan's (MQM-P) candidate Arshad Hassan secured the slot of deputy mayor by defeating the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Karamullah Waqasi on Thursday. At least 281 out of 300 council members exercised their right of vote to elect the deputy mayor.

The deputy mayor's seat had fallen vacant after the Election Commission of Pakistan deseated Arshad Vohra over changing his party affiliation after he joined the Paksarzameen Party.

District South Deputy Commissioner Syed Salahuddin performed the duty of returning officer. The polling, which commenced at 9am, continued till 5pm without any break.

Two members of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) council were brought from jail to exercise their voting right. They include Muhammad Noman of UC-35, Baldia Town, and Habib Khan of UC-14, Fatima Jinnah Colony.

According to the announcement made by the returning officer, Arshad Hassan secured 194 votes, while Karamullah secured 78 votes. Seven votes were rejected.

Speaking after the election, the newly-elected deputy mayor said that he owed his success to the sacrifices and commitment to the comrades of his party. He vowed that he would consult all colleagues in the council, irrespective of their party affiliation, in the performance of his duties.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2019.