Naeem urges ECP, Sindh govt to take note of MQM-P’s ‘threat’ against LG polls

MQM factions in collusion with PPP are plotting to deprive people of their rights, says JI leader

KARACHI:

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Sindh government and other relevant quarters to take notice of MQM-Pakistan’s “threat” to disrupt the local body elections, scheduled to take on January 15 in Karachi and Hyderabad.

His statement comes soon after PSP chief Mustafa Kamal and senior politician Dr Farooq Sattar announced rejoining the MQM-Pakistan to jointly raise voice for the rights of the people of the urban areas of Sindh.

“Our efforts to unify all factions of the [MQM] have borne fruit and all those who were hatching conspiracy against us will be disappointed today,” said MQM-Pakistan Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui while addressing a joint press conference at party’s Bhadurabad headquarters on Thursday.

He was flanked by PSP chief Mustafa Kamal, Farooq Sattar and other party leaders.

“We will not let the [local body] election take place on January 15… we are ready to fight elections if delimitations are fixed by overnight but if not then we will fight for our identity,” announced Siddiqui while referring to his allegations that attempts are being made to snatch the mandate of the Mohajirs by gerrymandering.

Also read: MQM-Pakistan reunified as Mustafa Kamal, Farooq Sattar rejoin party ranks

Responding to the MQM-P’s statement, the JI leader said that different factions of MQM are working together to deprive the people of their constitutional and democratic rights. “They are plotting to destroy the city and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Sindh government are also involved in this conspiracy,” he alleged.

He said that Jamaat-e-Islami has fought against terror and hooliganism in the past and they will continue to fight for the legitimate and democratic rights of the people and to solve their problems.

Conspiracies against the local government elections should be stopped and peaceful and transparent elections should be held on January 15 so that people can elect their local government candidates with free will, he added.

He also called for deploying army and Rangers personnel outside polling stations to maintain law and order during the polls.

He said the Ministry of Interior’s refusal to ECP to provide security during the elections is a violation of Article 220 of the Constitution.

“We have also written to army chief, corps commander and DG Rangers for the deployment of army personnel,” he added.