EC decides new delimitation of Karachi constituencies despite MQM reservations
The CEC vows to go ahead with delimitation in Karachi while the MQM has termed it unconstitutional.
ISLAMABAD:-Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim vowed on Thursday that the task of drawing up new constituency boundaries in Karachi would be completed in the light of the Supreme Court orders despite reservations of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.
On the other hand, the leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement expressing severe concerns over the expected new delimitation in Karachi has said that delimitation is unfair, unconstitutional and synonymous to pre-poll rigging.
The MQM was also of the view that new delimitation of constituencies in Karachi is not possible without census.
According to sources, PPP leader Taj Hyder received a phone call after which he favoured the reservations of the MQM regarding new limitations in Karachi.
Talking to media outside the Election Commission, MQM Sattar said delimitation in Karachi is a conspiracy to launch a conflict between different communities living in the metropolis.
“Why Karachi is being singled out for delimitation? If it’s necessary for free and fair elections, we demand that new constituency boundaries be made across the country,” the MQM lawmaker said.
“There is no need of delimitation in Karachi,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Zafar Iqbal Jhagra said that his party supports new delimitation in Karachi.
Speaking to media, Jhagra said that this development would be beneficial for all citizens of Karachi.
He said all political parties must support and stand by Supreme Court order and ECP decision for new delimitation in Karachi.
PML-N leader said that process of new delimitation in Karachi should be completed before the general elections so that it would not be used as an excuse to delay the polls.
Earlier, Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim vowed that the task of drawing up new constituency boundaries in Karachi would be completed in the light of the Supreme Court orders despite reservations of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.
Ibrahim chaired a consultative meeting of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which reviewed issues of dual nationalities, correction of electoral rolls as well as delimitation of Karaci in the light of judgment of Supreme Court.
In the meeting, representatives of 15 political parties, including PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, MQM, JI, Sunni Tehrik, JUI-F, JUP and PTI discussed various important administrative matters pertaining to upcoming general elections.
