- PPP leader says two MQM factions working together
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Saeed Ghani on Friday denied rigging allegations levelled by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) following his victory from Karachi’s PS-114 constituency on July 9.
On Thursday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stayed the notification of the by-election result declaring Ghani victorious after MQM-P’s rigging complaint. A further hearing will be held by the election tribunal on Monday.
Speaking outside the ECP, Ghani denied accusations that the police had taken over some polling stations at his behest, saying the polling stations mentioned by the MQM-P had presence of the Rangers and media throughout the polling day.
He also denied that he had directed the changing of some polling stations, saying returning officer did change some polling stations but that was done at the request of other parties. He challenged the opposition party to prove their allegations that he used state machinery for his benefit.
“MQM is the same as it was before. There is no difference between London and Pakistan group,” he said, explaining that both factions worked together during the PS-114 by-elections. Ghani said that it was for the first time in Karachi’s history that such a transparent election has occurred.
He also cautioned the ECP to avoid such frivolous objections, saying otherwise the 2018 general elections would be marred with controversy as everyone would end up challenging results on one pretext or the other. The MQM has requested the ECP to order a recount in the entire constituency and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to verify thumb impressions of all voters.
Ghani emerged victorious in PS-114 by bagging 23,840 votes, unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 92 polling stations suggested. He was followed by MQM-P’s Kamran Tessori, who secured 18,106 votes. Pakistan Muslim League-N’s Ali Akbar Gujjar stood third with 7,175 votes to his credit, while Najeeb Haroon of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf bagged 5,942 votes.
