PHOTO: MUHAMMAD NOMAN/EXPRESS
KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has predicted a landslide victory in the forthcoming NA-246 by-polls, saying analysts should judge their popularity with the huge number of people attending the gathering.
These views were expressed as the MQM demonstrated a ‘show of power’ in, what they claimed, biggest procession in the history of Karachi, Express News reported on Saturday.
Taking rival parties to task, the Altaf predicted for them a complete defeat in the forthcoming crucial by-elections.
He also appealed Rangers to arrest whoever they want but only through fair trial and avoid resorting to torture. This way, he added, the MQM will not register any sort of protest on any of the arrests.
Shedding light on the election manifesto of the party, Altaf said they want to initiate development projects especially in the far-flung areas. He called upon his party workers to eliminate the ‘ongoing status quo from Pakistan and bring reformatory, positive changes to ensure honorable life for the people of Pakistan, providing them with the basic necessities of life.
He furthered said that the MQM wants and loves peace and coexistence and intends to promote this culture in the country. He also called for adopting an independent and dignified foreign policy.
Altaf urged the authorities and those sitting at the helm of affairs to do everything they can for the minorities, the poor and the weak. He also paid homage to the armed forces and the law enforcement agencies for their commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace.
Altaf also alleged that Tariq Mehboob, Sunni Ittehad Council activist was killed by torture during detention and did not die a natural death as being claimed.
On the occasion, the activists of the party observed a minute of complete silence after their chief called for demonstrating exemplary silence.
Earlier, Khalid Makhbool Siddiqui, Farooq Sattar and other leaders of the party addressed the participants of the gathering.
The MQM is mainly challenged in its stronghold, NA-246 constituency, by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), whose chairman arrived in Karachi today to boost the electioneering campaign. He addressed a press conference accompanied by their candidate for the polls, Imran Ismael and other significant party leaders.
Read: NA-246 by-polls will decide the fate of Karachi: Imran
The PTI is also set to stage a political showdown ahead of the polling and reassert their stance of ‘change’ and terror-free politics in the metropolis.
Yesterday, the MQM chief had announced to handover all matters of the party to the Rabita Committee, only to reverse his decision after a couple of hours later as the party’s activists reassured him of their commitment and loyalty.
With just four days left to the all-important elections, political temperature has been rising with all the contestant political parties vigorously running their respective campaigns.
On the other hand, the ECP has refused Rangers the installation of biometric systems at the polling stations due to lack of time and technical issues.
Read: NA-246 by-polls: ECP turns down Rangers request for biometric systems
The NA-246 seat fell vacant after MQM’s Nabeel Gabool resigned from the position and the party after developing differences with them.
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