Karachi’s local bodies’ bye-elections rigging, PPP proved not to careful about democracy, democratic norms: Sirajul Haq

LAHORE, May 8 (SABAH): Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Sirajul Haq has said that by committing worse rigging in Karachi’s local bodies’ bye-elections, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) practically proved that it has no respect for democracy and democratic norms.

Sirajul Haq expressed these views through a statement issued from Mansoorah on Monday. He said that the PPP crossed all limits during polling on Sunday, adding hooligans from outside the coastal city of Karachi were brought to the city who tortured workers of Jamaat-e-Islami.

He further said that results of elections were changed and that the announcements were made against those of outcomes of forms. He deplored that the PPP always tries to come into power through rigging, lobbying and bargaining and not accustomed to accepting opinion of masses.

Emir Jamaat-e-Islami said that it was due to attitude of PPP that democracy was de-tracked which immensely damaged the interests of the country. He said that Karachi has always rejected the PPP and added it proved in one city to not to be capable of listening to the voice of masses.

Siraul Haq said that PPP’s bid of changing results of elections is shameful act and added that Jamaat-e-Islami would robustly response to such undemocratic acts; however, Karachiites gave the mandate to Jamaat-e-Islami hence they appreciate cooperation of masses.

He remarked, “We assure the people of Karachi that they would safeguard the opinion of Karachi at all costs. Jamaat-e-Islami struggle is for the sake of supremacy of democracy, Constitution and law. We have always served the masses of the city and will keep on this practice.”

Meanwhile, addressing meeting of the central leadership, he called for the general elections, linking their holding to the stability. He said the political stakeholders must agree on a single date for elections. He said it was responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure transparent poll, providing the people fair and peaceful environment for voting. He said the masses were the real owners of the country and they should be given opportunity to elect future leadership.