Peaceful polls: PTI demands army deployment for August 22 by-polls

Party demands govt declare public holiday on the day of by-elections.

KARACHI:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan deploy the armed forces inside and outside the polling stations on August 22 - the day designated for by-elections in Karachi.

Speaking to the media at a crowded press conference on Thursday, the party leadership has also asked the provincial government to announce a public holiday within the limits of the constituencies and extend polling time to 12 hours, from 8am to 8pm so as to facilitate the working class to cast their votes after returning from their work places.

The by-elections are to be held in three constituencies in Karachi, including NA-254 (Korangi), PS-103 (North Nazimabad) and PS-95 (Orangi Town). The PTI has fielded Naeem Sheikh to contest the by-election for NA-254 whereas Sultan Ahmed is vying for PS-103.

“Keeping in view the unprecedented rigging in Karachi on May 11, PTI demands to ensure the security of the common man as well as of the election staff, which is a precondition to holding free and fair elections,” said Syed Hafeezuddin, a PTI provincial lawmaker.

Hafeezuddin said that the returning officer at NA-254 had demanded in writing to the election commission on July 4 for army deployment but any progress has yet to be seen. “PTI is not satisfied with the progress till date but will not choose the path of boycotting elections,” said Firdous Shamim Naqvi, a member of PTI’s central executive committee. “We will expose the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and its ally Pakistan Peoples Party this time again as we believe there is an unwritten agreement of cooperation between the two.”



Naqvi warned that Sindh government and election commission will be held responsible if results get manoeuvred or any sort of disorder takes place. The people of Karachi had revolted against the political mafia on May 11 with their votes, considering PTI as the only way out, he claimed.

The PTI leaders accused the MQM for establishing no-go areas in electoral constituencies by spreading terror through their armed individuals. “The political mafia is creating impediments in the way of their opponents’ election campaigns while residents are being intimidated to vote in their favour,” said Hafeezuddin, adding that PTI flags, billboards, posters and banners were removed and party workers have received life threats.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2013.