KARACHI: (HRN) The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has decided to protest against conducting Local Government elections in Karachi without new constitutional delimitations.
The MQM has expressed its displeasure over the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for not conducting the new delimitations before the polls. It has also raised serious concerns over the non-implementation of the agreement signed with the provincial government.
The MQM Rabita committee held a meeting on Sunday and decided to protest over not conducting the delimitation. The protest will be in the form of a rally and further details will be provided soon. The MQM coordination also discussed the ongoing political situation.
During the meeting, MQM leaders expressed their displeasure over the statement of Bilawal for holding the polls with delimitations. It has sought clarification of whether Bilawal’s remarks were his personal opinion of the party policy.
The party also mulled approaching the courts over the matter. MQM leaders expressed frustration about being part of the coalition governments and the prolonged delay in implementing the agreement.
Well-placed sources informed a representative from the federal government is expected to arrive in Karachi and mediate between the MQM and PPP over the delimitation issue.
It has also been learned that senior PML-N leaders have contacted PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to convey the MQM’s reservations over delimitations. The MQM has complained with the Centre over the non-implementation of the Local Government Act.
According to reports, PML-N has tasked federal minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to arrange a meeting between PPP and MQM and resolve issues pertaining to the delimitation.
This comes as PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a meeting of party candidates at the CM House in Karachi. The second of the local government elections is scheduled to be held on Jan 15.
Bilawal expressed optimism next mayor of Karachi will be a PPP activist due to the performance of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and hard work of party workers.
Bilawal said the LG polls will be held on their scheduled date as people are fed up with repeated postponements. He also administered oath to the LG candidates.