KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections of Local Body in second phase was manifestation of his government’s commitment to people of province and to democratic process.

He congratulated all candidates, irrespective of their party affiliation, who have returned in Local Body election. He disclosed that elections on reserved seats would be held within month to complete process.

Talking to media at Expo Centre where he visited Iranian Single Country Exhibition accompanied by his Special Assistant on Investment Syed Qasim Naveed appreciated and thanked law enforcement agencies, including police, Rangers, FC and Pak Army for ensuring peaceful process of election though there were some threat alerts.”

Talking about delay in declaring election results, CM said that he has talked to Election Commissioner, Sindh with request to declare results at earliest.

He said that main reason behind delay in declaring result, as told by Election Commission was counting of votes twice by Presiding Officers.

CM said that he has spoken with Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman and told him that it was not only his party but PPP was also not receiving results.

To a question, CM said that government would cooperate with `to be elected’ Mayor of Karachi and strengthen him.

Replying to another question, Murad said that he made last ditch effort to persuade MQM-P to contest LG election but they chose to boycott process.

Talking about LB election in Hyderabad, he said that out of 160 seats, PPP has won 104/105. “We have won district Council Hyderabad and 99 towns and municipalities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Murad Ali Shah inaugurated Josh Malihabadi Library, studio 2 and Ahmad Parvez Art gallery Faraz besides visiting painting exhibition.  Minister of Education and Culture Sardar Shah was also present.

He appreciated role and hard work of President Arts Council Ahmed Shah in promoting literary activities. Sardar Shah said that Sindh government has established Arts Councils in all divisional headquarters of province. He also took oath from newly elected governing body. addressing to oath- taking ceremony he said that Arts Council making this institution a centre everyone can be proud of us.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 17 2023

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