KARACHI: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) on Sunday accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its partner in the coalition government at the Centre, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), of hatching a conspiracy to get away from the second phase of the local government (LG) elections in Karachi and Hyderabad, fearing defeat.

The party warned that any ‘conspiracy’ to further delay the key electoral process from Aug 28 would provoke a strong reaction from the people of urban Sindh.

The LG elections in Karachi and Hyderabad are scheduled for Aug 28 under the second phase of the process after it was delayed for more than a month in July due to torrential rains.

The fresh warning from the JI came a day after some key officials cited the approaching rains and accumulated rainwater in various districts of Karachi and Hyderabad divisions as an obstacle for holding LG polls.

Hafiz Naeem accuses PPP, Muttahida of plotting to further delay LG polls

Carrying JI flags and Hafiz Naeem’s portraits, a large number of workers, including women and children, reached the venue in the form of rallies from different parts of the city. Both tracks of the University Road were filled with participants.

“Despite uncertainty being spread by certain circles about the local government polls on Aug 28, the Supreme Court’s decision is still in its favour and some political parties still illogically desire to get the polls further delayed,” JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman told a rally titled “Karachi Rights March,” on main University Road.

“Let me make it loud and clear. The PPP and the MQM-P are well aware of the anger of the people of Karachi. They know that 30 million people of this city are no longer hostage to any fear. The volcano of people’s anger has exploded and they would give their verdict against all fears on Aug 28.”

Citing the data of a global analysis organisation, he said that 48 per cent youth of Karachi did not want to live in the city because of the growing disappointment, shrinking opportunities and non-stop stress.

“But I request my youngsters that you don’t need to leave this country or city. I appeal them to stay and fight against the injustice of the ruling elite,” said Hafiz Naeem. “I assure the people of Karachi that the Jamaat mayor will not be only crying foul, but he will be also making efforts even beyond his mandate for the future of the city. Our party has delivered in the past and will do so again if elected by the city.”

He said the infrastructure and water crises were the core problems in Karachi and the last major water supply project for the city, K-III, was completed during the tenure of Naimatullah Khan Advo­cate. Since then, he added, not even a single drop of water was increased for supply to Karachi.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2022