Sindh

PTI's Imran Ismael felicitates MQM on NA-246 by-poll win

PTI candidate denounces incidents of violence on polling day; censures ECP for not taking notice

Web Desk April 24, 2015

MQM workers gathered to celebrate their victory in the elections. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD NOMAN/EXPRESS

KARACHI: While congratulating the Muttahida Qaumi Movement over its landslide victory in the NA-246 by-elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf candidate Imran Ismael denounced incidents of violence on polling day.

Addressing a press conference, Ismael, flanked by PTI leader Ali Zaidi, said it was the first time they contended for a seat in Azizabad and termed the elections a "success of his party and the masses".

The PTI candidate also said he would send congratulatory sweets to MQM headquarters Nine Zero, in addition to visiting Azizabad, have ‘nihari’ for lunch and offering prayers for the successful political party.

Condemning the violence that broke in Karimabad following the results of the by-polls, Ismael said protesters seemingly wanted chaos in the vicinity.

Read: Judicial commission seeks replies from PML-N, MQM on PTI rigging claims

He lamented that the Election Commission did not take notice of the violence that put the lives of 40 PTI workers at risk, while it was quick to notice the presence of his gunman.

Regarding the votes secured by Jamaat-e-Islami, Ismael said the elections provided a good chance to assess the party’s popularity.

Read: Unofficial result: MQM edges out rivals in NA-246

Speaking on the occasion, Ali Zaidi also wished MQM candidate Kanwar Naveed Jamil good luck and hoped he would bring positive changes in the area and work for the betterment of the people.

He felicitated the Rangers and police and hailed their role and efforts in ensuring peaceful and successful elections in the sensitive area of the metropolis.

In the by-polls, the MQM took a clear lead with over 71,000 votes while their rivals, PTI and JI took 22,000 and 9,000 votes, respectively.

Rangers’ stance

Meanwhile, DG Rangers Sindh Major General Bilal Akbar has distanced the LEA from a ban on pillion riding, saying they did not give any such directives and the move should be investigated.

He rejected the criticism on Karachi Operation and added that successful elections proved the operation is being carried out for good and producing effective results.

COMMENTS (13)

Farida | 9 years ago | Reply Good Luck MQM but MQM should be concerned that they are decreasing compare to 2013, if it continues then MQM will be lose this seat

Noman | 9 years ago | Reply @kammiqazi: If you can't understand English, Please keep yourself to Jang akhbar! "MQM took a clear lead with over 71,000 votes..." The article talks about "lead" not the total no. of votes.

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Napier Mole | 9 years ago | Reply PTI could have won a few brownie points if they could have come up with a clear, unadulterated and unqualified statement of defeat. Imran Ismail's foolish statement saying that the voter list started with 25000 votes for mqm is mud slinging of the meanest sort which is only sticking to PTIs face. If this was true why was PTI silent till the announcement of their defeat. And the question remains: why did PTI oppose the extension of time when polling delays were accepted by all independent observers. The reason was that they were sure, that an extension would only serve to increase mqm's margin - and may cost even Zimran Ismail losing his security deposit. Imran Khan and the rest of his cohort are from outside Karachi but atleast Imran Ismail, who claims he is a son of Karachi, should be knowing Karachiites better than to insult their intelligence with inanitites similar to those emanating fron Bani Gala.

Iqbal Haider | 9 years ago | Reply @kammiqazi: PTI got 25,000 votes, correction plz

Umar Khan | 9 years ago | Reply @ Adnan Siddiqi Poor PML(N) don't have guts to challenge MQM even. Its a moment of acrimony for you. I don't know why you are so shameless

Noman Ali | 9 years ago | Reply @ Adnan Siddiqui Why NS dont take part from here. I ber he will not get even 1000 votes. PTI is only PTI which got massive votes other than PT

Adnan Siddiqi | 9 years ago | Reply @Muzaffar: It's a moment of acrimony for PTI that the umpire ditched it, yet again. Now then, would PTI still insist Nabeel Gabol to take the stand against MQM and rigging in NA-46 in front of the judicial commission?

OBSERVER | 9 years ago | Reply may be Ch.Nisar gave order for ban on pillion riding...solved the genuine grievances politically not by using state power be in karachi or Baluchistan...twice Niazi failed to deliver his promise to establishment one during dharna to lead million people march whereas he could collect only 20000 to 30000 and PTI will win the bye election on NA246

Mansoor Soomro | 9 years ago | Reply Hats off to Sindh Rangers and Police for conducting free and fair election. The message is loud and clear from our Establishment that they believe in democracy and they will let people elect whoever they like. No one will be allowed to rig elections and create chaos. Congratulations to MQM and we hope they will work for the betterment of Sindh and will purge all criminal and violent elements from party.

kammiqazi | 9 years ago | Reply Just to make one important correction, MQM did not get 71,000 vote but 95,644 to be precise.

Muzaffar | 9 years ago | Reply A moment of silence for PTI haters who actually believe PTI cries every time they loose. See, no dhandli rona, no dharna Moral of the story: If it's free and fair, it's acceptable And its good for democracy as well. Make all the jokes you want, tease PTI on loosing, poke fun at competitors, cause that's how people should enjoy a healthy competition without hurting and killing each other. A great service towards democracy.

Adnan Siddiqi | 9 years ago | Reply Shameless buggers ran with their tails tucked safely in their backsides and left the workers at the mercy of hooligans at Karimabad.

Karachiwala | 9 years ago | Reply So CM sindh did not issue the ban on pillion riding.. IG sindh did not issue the ban on pillion riding DG rangers did not issue the ban on pillion riding Governor sindh did not issue ban on pillion riding This is what we know of deliberate attempt from establishment to curtail MQM. I mean all of them can said so before April 23rd 2015. but they refrain, until now! MQM please take this matter to highest court and challenge these MF!

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