Code of conduct: PTI, MQM agree not to use derogatory language against each other

Party leaders inked the agreement a day after activists clashed at Jinnah Ground.

KARACHI: A day after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers came face to face at Jinnah Ground, Azizabad, leaders of both the parties signed a code of conduct agreeing not to use derogatory language against each other or criticise their rival's leadership. Meanwhile, PTI insisted that it will hold a public gathering at the ground on April 19.

The agreement was inked at Governor House on Wednesday morning in the presence of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, who played the role of mediator between the two parties. PTI was represented by Imran Ismail, the party's candidate for the NA-246 by-elections, MNA Arif Alvi and MPA Khurram Sher Zaman, while Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Kanwar Naveed Jameel represented MQM. The leaders later briefed the media about the agreement.

"The leaders of both the parties have agreed not to make derogatory remarks against each other," said the governor while talking to the media afterwards. "Everyone has the democratic right to hold election campaigns but political leaders and workers should avoid using such language against each other."

Jameel, who is one of the candidates contesting the elections from the area, alleged that the situation turned ugly on Tuesday after PTI activists removed MQM posters, flags and banners, and hurled abuse at the party leaders.

"There are 20,000 graves of the martyred workers of our party at Jinnah Ground," he claimed. "Soon after their arrival, PTI workers tried to damage these graves, resulting in heated arguments between them and our activists."

Alvi said that they will take care of the graves of the MQM workers and will offer Fateha for them.

"We have never used such language and I give my assurance once again that no PTI workers will use words that hurt activists and leaders of other parties," he stated, adding that no one could prevent PTI from organising their rally at Jinnah Ground.

Meanwhile, Pasban-e-Pakistan secretary-general and candidate for the NA-246 constituency Usman Moazzam said in a press release that political parties should discuss the city's burning issues instead of harassing voters with pre-poll political violence.

Highlighting matters such as targeted killing, extortion, kidnapping, water shortage, education, healthcare, corruption and police excesses, he added that the parties should focus on telling the voters how they will solve their problems.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2015.