PPP govt altered the results

An interview with JI leader Syed Abdul Rasheed

KARACHI:

Q. Are the results of local bodies’elections in accordance with the hopes of Jamaat-e-Islami or better than what you expected?

Syed Abdul Rasheed: Our calculations and expectations were one hundred and twenty-five seats and the results vindicated us. But Pakistan People’s Party along with Sindh Government and Election Commission altered the  results and snatched our mandate. PPP carried out massive rigging, especially in Lyari, Malir and Kemari. The PPP used the political machinery and appointed its favourite ROs and DROs to rig the election process itself. They had given the ballot papers to the workers of several UCs the night before and the same were put into the ballot box during the election. They rigged the counting process as well. And yet, despite having used everything illegal tactic, they couldn’t achieve their designs, so they resorted to changing the results of the UCs whose signed form 11 and 12 are already with us as proof.

Q. There is an impression that PTI did not give importance to the local bodies elections and have lost the trust of the voters ín  Karachi. What is your opinion?

SAR: It is clear that Karachi is in no way in PTI’s priorities and it never was. The people of Karachi have now realized this fact. They gave the mandate to them in 2018 General Election and PTI won 16 seats of National Assembly, but the party disappointed the people of Karachi. Now both its workers and voters are feeling ditched and are looking for other options.

Q. Karachi expressed full confidence and support for Jamaat-e-Islami this time. How do you intend to repay them and what plans do you have for improving things in the city?

SAR: Jamaat-e-Islami has historically had a significant impact on Karachi’s growth and development. Abdul Sattar Afghani was a great mayor of Karachi and did a lot of work. He even made an example of how local government model should work. He was appreciated for his work across the country. Similarly, the people of Karachi saw the golden era of Naimatullah Khan.  Even then, the city was suffering due to poor conditions and Naimatullah put it back on the track with lot of development. We have competent, experienced and honest team of people. As we completed the water projects in the past, the K4 and K5 are also the on JI’s credit. Our priorities are to work in the field of education and health. Mass transit project will be at the top of the list to accomplish for the people of Karachi.

Q. Are you considering an alliance with the PPP or PTI?

SAR: As far as possibilities are concerned, we have all the options. Our only condition is that there will be no compromise on the mayorship. PTI has already given the option to go with us and we have informed PPP about our conditions. However, we could only move further with the PPP if our mandate is sincerely recognized and handed over to us.

Q. But don’t you think joining hands with PPP will disappoint your supports?

SAR: We want improvement and constructive development of Karachi and for this we are ready to work with anyone. It is a political process. Our position is clear, that the development of the city is more important than point scoring and political tug of war. We are hopeful for a positive outcome, and the journey of development of the city will begin soon Inshallah. Our supporters and voters will not be disappointed with us.

Q. MQM has been in local government for a long time but they have always complained of not getting the required funds and powers. Your views on that?

SAR:  MQM cannot justify their stance or claim that they were not given the authority to work. They are just excuses and typical tactics from the MQM to blackmail the governments. It had half the seats in Sindh province and their own governor and yet they could not work but because they are not sincere to the Karachiites. They have remained an ally of the Federal Government too but have not achieved anything substantial for the city.

It is true that the infrastructure of Karachi is in a very poor shape. The PPP has distorted the working model of the municipal government. In this regard, we have been at the loggerheads with them. But now we will take back the powers that this city needs and move forward with legislation if necessary.