Altaf Hussain expresses lack of trust in ECP

Formulating new constituencies is a strategy to divide MQM’s vote bank, says MQM chief.

KARACHI: Muttahida Qoumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain has expressed a lack of trust in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Express News reported on Saturday.

Hussain’s statement against ECP came after commission ordered the delimitation of constituencies in Karachi. Formulating new constituencies is a strategy to divide MQM’s vote bank, he said.

He further added that the creation of new constituencies is an unconstitutional act and considering this how can ECP promise free and fair elections.

While talking to the media in Karachi, MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said, “Constituencies should be drawn nationwide. We refuse drawing up of new constituencies only in Karchi.”

The heat had been building up between Supreme Court and MQM since November 28 when the Supreme Court called for electoral constituencies to be redrawn in Karachi in a bid to ease the homicide rate.

Earlier, Altaf Hussain had called the court’s remarks on delimitation of new constituencies “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic”.

Despite, MQM’s reservations, the chief election commissioner dismissed the party's concerns against delimitation and pressed ahead.