MQM-P writes to CJP on ECP's 'unconstitutional measures'

Letter states electoral body violated 22nd Amendment 2016 and articles 218(2), 219 of the Constitution

KARACHI:

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Sunday appealed to the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) to take notice of the "violation" of the Constitution by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

According to the details, MQM's lawyer Tariq Mansoor told the Express News that Siddiqui has written a letter to the CJP, which stated that the ECP has violated the 22nd Amendment 2016 and articles 218(2), 219 of the Constitution.

“In this regard, the CJP has been requested to take notice of the unconstitutional measures taken by the ECP under Article 184(3) of the Constitution for violation of public interest and fundamental constitutional rights,” stated the letter.

Advocate Mansoor said that it should be noted that a proposed letter and documents were sent by Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal, among other party leaders to the electoral watchdog on January 9, while it was submitted to the provincial election commissioner as a reminder on January 11.

Read MQM-P reunifies breakaway factions ahead of LG polls

He added that the constitutional letter was sent to the ECP to nullify the controversial delimitation and local government (LG) election schedule on the ground that it was inconsistent with the Constitution.

Advocate Mansoor furthered that the purpose of the letter was that the commission should release the new delimitation and election schedule before January 15. However, even after six days, the ECP has not given any response.

It is pertinent to note that MQM-P is boycotting LG polls in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Thatta divisions, which are currently underway in the province.

“Our reservations over the delimitation of local government constituencies have not been addressed despite several assurances from the provincial government. The Sindh government played its part in addressing our grievances but the Election Commission of Pakistan did not," Siddiqui had said while addressing a news conference after attending a major huddle at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarter on Saturday.