Ebrahim says the constituencies had been carved out accordingly following the 1998 census and as such should not be changed for now. PHOTO: APP/FILE
While the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is determined to re-verify voter lists for Karachi, it appears to be dragging its feet on another equally important Supreme Court order: redrawing the constituencies of the country’s commercial hub.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim said on Wednesday there would be no change in Karachi’s constituencies for now.
“We had asked political parties for their suggestions (on the delimitation of constituencies) but they have not submitted anything so far. (The constituencies) should remain as they are now,” he told a news conference in Islamabad.
“We will meet all parties and request them not to resort to confrontation … We will see what we can do (about the delimitation of constituencies) when we meet again,” he added.
ECP Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan, who was present at the news conference, echoed Ebrahim’s comments: “Let the proposals (from political parties) come … We will take the final decision (on delimitation) then.”
Ebrahim said the constituencies had been carved out accordingly following the 1998 census and as such should not be changed for now. He added that without a fresh census, delimitation of constituencies would be pointless.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which enjoys widespread public support in Karachi, is opposed to the redrawing of constituencies in the metropolitan city. It has also filed review petitions against the apex court order.
According to sources, CEC Ebrahim, who hails from Karachi, is not in favour of redrawing constituencies in the city. Under ECP’s existing setup, however, the decision rests on the entire commission, which includes four representatives from each of the provinces in addition to the CEC.
Ebrahim’s news conference followed an interaction with Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who in an unprecedented move attended an election-related briefing at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) headquarters on Wednesday as well. The move comes at a time when speculation regarding the postponement of the upcoming general elections is rife.
The CEC told reporters that the army chief had assured full support for the door-to-door verification of voters in Karachi. He also quashed rumours that the elections may be postponed.
Nadra chief’s briefing
Meanwhile, NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik briefed the ECP, the army chief and the defence secretary regarding the joint Nadra-ECP Electoral Rolls project. According to Malik, there were around 85 million registered voters across the four provinces, tribal areas and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
He also briefed the delegation on the amendments and corrections being made in the final electoral rolls 2012. According to the NADRA chairman, so far 83,797 modifications have been made. The process would continue till the elections are announced, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2012.
COMMENTS (11)
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Once a Bhai, always a Bhai
What a sane reply. Respect.
At last Fakhru bhai has realized it, still not to late to dis-regard politically motivated Supreme court stupid decisions. CJ should join politics he is wasting our time when we are looking for justice for common people, Ironically its no where to be seen.
Well ! so far all the commentators think that if Karachi voters list and delimitations are done, every election related ill in Pakistan is fixed up. Ok it seems that rest of Pakistan is like Switzerland where peace beauty prosperity justice harmony respect for humanity is overflowing and people around the world want to enjoy thier honeymonn in this part of Pakistan. I would simply request to wake up to harsh realities Pakistan is facing today and if we talk about only election related corruption then we should see what happened in by elections. Bogus entries in voters lists , it is EC itself who claimed that 35 million bogus entries throughout Pakistan have been detected and removed ( Have Angels done these bogus entries ?) . Today's Pakistan's self claimed most pious political parties Tehrik e Insaf and Jamaat e Islami went to supreme court arguing that 3.5 million votes have been shifted to other parts of Pakistan from Karachi. EC slapped them in the face by stating that around 60000 votes have been transferred. These tow examples are enough to show and prove that no political party is ready to espect the mandate of Karachi
The political parties have been in the forefront for delimitation of Karachi. Why? Enjoy the spoils and Balkanize areas of influence.
The CEC in all political parties meeting had requested suggestions, which the parties have not yet forwarded. When and on what statistical and demographic basis?
The Muttaheda has all along been at the forefront of a new census, which is logical and sensible because of the influx of upcountry people coming to Karachi for livelihood and escaping terrorism. This has only uprooted the civic facilities and created a law and order problem.
Therefore, finally the review petition in the Supreme Court may solve the issue. Salams
Delimitation should be done. It's an order and the CEC should implement it and break the illegal stranglehold of one party in Karachi.
Thanks for the suggestions to CJ Mr. Siddique (Arsole) Basheer Ahmed, Cheecha Watni, Punjab.
in 2002 delimitation was done without any prior census, to accommodate MQM, so why are they crying out about reverting back to old constituencies??? Things are different in Karachi & 99% of the people of Pakistan, including majority of the Karachiites, approve SC decision on this matter.
Let's look what law and ground realities are saying. Section 10-A reads: “Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Commission may, at any time, of its own motion, make such amendments, alterations or modifications in the final list of constituencies … as it thinks necessary.” Where it states that Census is MUST for delimitation?Secondly check ET report http://tribune.com.pk/story/482260/maps-for-lost-voters/ which clearly shows that how constituencies were framed and map clearly depicts the very fact that delimitation was not done in fair way, disconnected and disparate area were combined for the benefit of specific party or group. Does such injustice need any census to be rectified? Even if census is done how will disjointed areas could be merged in one constituency? Think and share your opinion pls. If fair delimitation wont done, it will establish the fact that politics of blackmailing and threat is winning again so lesson for other parties, follow politics of blackmailing to ensure fulfillment of your interests.
It is becoming increasingly juggling job for Fakhru to both sides happy at the same time. And he is proving to be an excellent juggler so far for being a lawyer and jurist in his former lives. Saying yes to Chief and Bhai requires great deal of pragmatism and excellent survival instincts, but these are not badges of honour for someone who wants people to regard him an upright and principled statesman.