The three-day public referendum launched by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Friday has been extended for another three, so as to ensure maximum participation by citizens, announced JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Sunday.
Talking to the media during a visit to the main referendum camp in Bahadurabad, Rehman said the extension had been made after the need for it was brought to the notice of referendum commission chairperson Anwar Mansoor Khan.
"On our request [for extension], he consulted the commission's members and issued a notification for holding the referendum for three more days," the JI leader elaborated. "[Hence], the referendum will now continue till Wednesday, October 21."
Rehman further stated that it was only his party that was serious about addressing Karachi's problems and all else were "deceiving and cheating" the metropolis' citizens.
"If the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is sincere with the people [of Karachi], then why doesn't [PPP chairperson] Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announce the abrogation of the illegal local bodies act and the establishment of an empowered city administration in Karachi? Why doesn't Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz admit the criminal wrongdoing of wiping out half of Karachi's population in the [2017] census?" questioned Rehman. "If Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) wishes good for Karachi, why doesn't [Prime Minister] Imran Khan announce the abolishment of quota system and another census, and why is PTI's ally Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, which also claims to have [highest] stakes in the city, silent on these important issues?"
Continuing his tirade, he said that while the opposition had started a nation-wide protest movement, Karachi's serious problems were neither its priority, nor included in its agenda. He regretted that the 26-point-agenda presented during the opposition's all parties conference had no mention of the metropolis' problems.
"The public rejects such an opposition that has no interest in their issues," remarked Rehman.
He then went on to say that the JI's public referendum and Karachi Rights Movement would guarantee the resolution of the city's issues and added that anybody could join the initiative.
"Our doors are open for all and we are ready to work alongside others," he said.
He further stated that the referendum was not limited to just one political party but was intended to include the participation of citizens from across the city. The JI leader appealed to citizens to keep their political and other differences aside and participate in the referendum to highlight Karachi's issues.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2020.
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