JI, PTI agree on ‘joint reaction’ to post Karachi LG polls scenario

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 21 Jan 2023

KARACHI: Jamat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have agreed on a ‘joint reaction’ to the scenario developed after Jan 15 Local Government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad which have largely been dubbed as controversial following massive incidents of rigging and violence.

Addressing a joint presser after a meeting held here on Saturday, JI Karachi leader Hafiz Naeemur Rahman said both parties had agreed to form a 4-members committee to ‘protect mandate’, alleging that the LG polls results were manipulated even after re-counting.

He said neither ballot papers not the sacks or bags carrying ballot papers were safe as the (provincial) government was exerting its influence over the election process. He said as soon as JI workers started receiving Form 11, the process began to manipulate, and modify poll results. 

Hafiz Naeemur Rahman said JI was ready to accept mandate of each and every party, subject to its legality and fairness. He said the major problem right now was LG election results, adding that the JI had approached PTI with request to agree to field joint candidate for post of Karachi Mayor.

Speaking on this occasion, PTI Sindh President Ali Zaidi alleged that their mandate in 40 UCs was stolen and that the joint committee would come up with facts in a week's time after which the final course of action would be announced.

Ali Zaidi termed ‘Zardari Mafia’ responsible for ruining Karachi, and said the same Zardari-introduced system arranged Jan 15 LG polls in Karachi. He said results should be announced as per Form 11 which carries thumb impressions of the Presiding Officers.

On this occasion, Ali Zaidi claimed that PTI would form the government in Sindh after which it would transfer powers to Mayor.