NA-246 should be handed over to army until April 23: PTI

MQM says PTI is issuing provoking statements to infuriate party workers

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded on Sunday the government to handover the entire NA-246 constituency of Karachi to Pakistan Army.

PTI leader and candidate from the constituency Imran Ismail addressed a press conference after attending a meeting on the code of conduct and law and order situation during by-polls at Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Siddiqui’s office Sunday evening.

He said the PTI had conveyed its reservations to the city's administration, and now it was their responsibility to resolve the issue.

The PTI leader accused MQM of supporting and congratulating those who uprooted PTI’s camp in Karimabad Friday night, adding that Kanwar Naveed was controlling the campaign against his party.

Read: MQM workers attack PTI's election camp in Karachi

Ismail questioned why the Election Commission of Pakistan did not take notice of the situation, saying their workers faced life threats and were unable to continue with their door-to-door election campaign.

By-polls in Karachi’s NA-246, which fell vacant after Nabil Gabol resigned last month after developing differences with the party, are scheduled for April 23.

Only 10,000 votes for PTI

Earlier, speaking to the media, Kanwar Naveed of the MQM said PTI must refrain from abusive language and watch its behavior to ensure peaceful polls.

Read: Violence in Karimabad: Seven men arrested after PTI, MQM workers clash

He claimed the PTI will only acquire 10,000 votes if transparent polls took place in NA-246.

‘Administration to remain neutral’

Meanwhile, the Karachi commissioner told the media that  the political situation would not be heightened if all parties followed the code of conduct.

He vowed all-out measures to maintain law and order during the electoral activity, and assured both the PTI and MQM that a proactive approach will be adopted for complete calm on the day of polling.

"Administration will remain neutral during the campaign," he said.

Read: Let the games begin: Parties gear up to compete for the NA-246 hot seat

Siddiqui hailed Rangers, police and other law enforcement agencies for their efforts to bring peace back in the city, saying they have an important contribution to this end.

Police will provide security

Speaking on the occasion, Karachi police chief Ghulam Qadir Thebo said police will be there to provide security to the masses, adding every party had the right to demand the deputation of the law enforcement agencies.

Imran Khan regrets ‘persistent attacks’

Earlier during the day, PTI chief Imran Khan said the party’s candidate was attacked twice and lamented an atmosphere of terror surrounding the MQM-controlled areas in the city.

He made it clear that if any of his party’s members received any harm from the MQM, he will launch a comprehensive legal action against the Altaf Hussain in London, for which he had prepared a team of lawyers.