KARACHI: Election Commission (EC) has reserved judgment about Local Body (LB) polls in Karachi.  Chief Election Commissioner said Sindh government never wants to hold LB polls. LB polls have to be got held within 120 days. Decision will be given on proper time. 

A five members bench of EC presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) heard case regarding Karachi LB polls. Representatives of Sindh government, MQM, JI and PTI appeared before bench.  Special secretary EC Zafar Iqbal told about completion of preparation for holding LB polls in Karachi. 

Joint secretary interior ministry said we cannot provide security in prevailing situation. Murtaza Wahab while requesting for postponing election for 90 days more has said we are ready for election but government alone cannot deal with situation due to floods.  CEC inquired does provincial government not want LB polls. There is contradiction in present and previous stance of Sindh government. Member Ikram Ullah Khan remarked how can Sindh Cabinet exercise powers of EC.  Murtaza Wahab said as per Sindh laws announcing LB polls is power of Sindh government. CEC said EC held LB polls in difficult situation. Difficult situation is being faced in holding LB polls in Punjab. 

Wasim Akhtar expressed reservations over population census and demarcation of constituencies.  CEC said there are several forum regarding injustices in population census. EC is not forum.  PTI counsel stressed on holding LB polls in 90 days. JI Amir Karachi Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said Local Body term has expired since two years and two months. Election be held neither in 15 days nor in 90 days but these should be held within 45 days.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 16 2022

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