KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) deputy-convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui got the permission from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday to allocate party tickets for the upcoming Senate elections.
Speaking to a local English daily, former ECP secretary Kanwar Dilshad said that party head Dr Farooq Sattar will no longer be able to submit Senate nominations from the party and instead the nominations would require the signature of Siddiqui from now on.
Soon after the ECP announced its decision, Sattar and other party leaders arrived at the election body’s office in Karachi. “I am the party convener, only I have the right to give a ticket,” Sattar told ECP officials, contesting the election body’s ruling. “In my presence, the deputy convener cannot even call a meeting,” added Sattar.
Speaking outside the ECP, Sattar said that all the meetings held without his knowledge can be questioned. Citing parts of the party’s constitution, he said: “If Khalid Maqbool wants to assist the convener [Sattar], then I will also submit a letter to support him. But if I feel this power is being misused, then I will revoke his right to hand tickets.”
During the press conference, Sattar stressed that it was only with his backing that Siddiqui has been authorised to hand out party tickets, saying, “Otherwise, it would not be possible for him to do so.”
