- PTI, MQM workers continue to trade barbs in NA-246 electioneering as city administration vows peaceful by-polls
- PTI’s Imran Ismail wants army to ensure peaceful by-polls in Azizabad constituency, Imran Khan to visit Karachi to show support for Ismail
- MQM’s Naveed Jamil advises PTI chief against derogatory remarks against Altaf Hussain
With Karachi’s NA-246 by-polls around the corner, the political temperature between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is continuing to mount despite the city administration’s efforts to ensure peaceful conduct of the election.
In a press conference in Karachi on Sunday, PTI’s candidate from NA-246, Imran Ismail called for the army to be deployed in the hotly-contested constituency of Azizabad until election on April 23.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with MQM officials and police, Ismail said due to the security situation, the party is unable to go to voters’ doors and run an election campaign. “Wherever we go, people are scared.”
He said the PTI had been unable to begin its election campaign the way it wanted due to hindrances posed by MQM workers, adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan had taken little notice of the situation.
“Wherever we go, their workers follow us,” he said. Ismail said the PTI has been open about its reservations and had little faith in the administration. “Both the Election Commission and the MQM are hindering the election process.”
Ismail claimed the MQM was instigating its workers into conflict, and said those who had been caught creating chaos were “adorned with flowers” at MQM’s office after release.
However, the senior PTI official wanted the MQM to know “we are not going to back down easily”, and called for PTI party members to be given complete security during the run up to the elections.
Ismail claimed that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said, “This seat [NA 246] has traditionally been taken by the MQM,” and went on to say, “If all parties have already decided the seats that belong to them, then what is the point of holding elections?”
Speaking about the influence the MQM has over its workers– and in particular, Saulat Mirza– Imran Ismail said, “These are the children who could have become Sadequain, Gulgee… But we handed them weapons and where are they now? Tomorrow there will be more people like this. I want to stop the children of Karachi from taking this route.”
PTI MNA Dr Arif Alvi also spoke on the occasion, saying the party had no more faith in the administration, despite talks with the commissioner of Karachi and the police.
He claimed the MQM had no intention to contest peaceful elections. “That’s why we said that we don’t expect anything from them. Because three days ago they reassured us, and yesterday there was an attack on our camp.”
“Our workers have patience, that’s why they didn’t react. Otherwise the PTI can react in all of Pakistan. But we have a code of conduct that we adhere to.”
MQM ADVISES KHAN TO KEEP IT LOW:
Earlier, MQM nominee from NA-246, Kunwar Naveed Jamil Sunday advised Imran Khan to stop the use of derogatory language against Altaf Hussain as it will lead to the restoration of peace in Karachi.
He claimed that PTI is finding a way out to avoid its defeat in the constituency.
Jamil said that according to his party’s calculation, PTI candidate could only reach the number-three slot in the run and he could hardly secure 12,000 votes from NA-246.
The MQM candidate said that PTI has no sympathies for Karachi and its populace.
PTI, MQM WORKERS CLASH:
In the meanwhile, gearing up to garner public support in upcoming by-election in NA-246, PTI took out a rally from Water Pump in the city wherein scattered incidences of clashes with MQM workers were also reported.
PTI workers started gathering beneath Karimabad flyover where the party has established its election camp. Key PTI leaders also took part in the rally.
Addressing a press conference, 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.
The PTI chief said he would go to Karachi and his workers would remain peaceful. “I am ready for any consequence. Time has come to make Karachi free of fear,” he added.
‘ADMINISTRATION TO REMAIN NEUTRAL’:
Prior to the press conferences, the PTI and MQM also met at Commissioner House to defuse tension between the two parties. The PTI was represented by Imran Ismail and Arif Alvi, while Kanwar Naveed Jamil and Muhammad Hussain represented the MQM.
Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui and Additional IG Ghulam Qadir Thebo said both parties should exercise patience when dealing with each other and advised them not to use foul language when addressing one another.
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.
Speaking on the occasion, Karachi police chief 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.
RANGERS COMING IN:
Later during the day, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah ordered Rangers and police to ensure free, fair and transparent by elections in NA-246 constituency scheduled for April 23.
“The by polls in NA-246 constituency will be held under the supervision of Rangers and police,” said the spokesman of CM Sindh in a statement.
The spokesman said the credit for restoration of peace in the provincial capital goes to the Rangers and police, and they can also ensure order on the day of election in the metropolis.
He further said that the leadership of both PTI and MQM should exhibit political maturity ahead of the upcoming by elections.