KARACHI: Controversies, recrimination ended up now as Pakistan Peoples Party’s first mayorship of Karachi reach to its final stage. Barrister Murtaza Wahab sworn-in as Karachi Mayor on Monday at a ceremony held at Polo Ground in the metropolis.

Whereas, another PPP leader Salman Abdullah Murad took oath as Deputy Mayor Karachi.

Sindh Election Commissioner Aijaz Chohan administered the oath to Murtaza Wahab and Salman Murad as Karachi mayor and deputy mayor.

The ceremony was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP local government (LG) representatives and others.

Meanwhile, JI Karachi Chief Hafiz Naeem announced to hold protest outside Election Commission of Pakistan in Islamabad on June 23 to express serious concerns and reservations against the PPP government's alleged use of force to win Karachi mayoral election.

It must be mentioned here that on June 15, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Barrister Murtaza Wahab was elected Karachi mayor after securing 173 votes whereas JI’s candidate Hafiz Naeemur Rehman secured 160 votes, in the light of the unconfirmed and unofficial results.

The voting for Karachi mayor and deputy mayor was held at Pakistan Arts Council under stringent security measures.

Moreover, the mayoral contest was between Wahab and Rehman only, as all the other candidates had withdrawn their nomination papers, while Salman Abdullah and Saifuddin of PPP and JI, respectively contested for the post of deputy mayor.

According to the entry register 332 elected members reached the polling station, as 34 members of the KMC failed to reach the Arts Council of Pakistan.

This is a developing story. More about to come

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 19 2023

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