Karachi: As results continue coming out slowly for Local Government elections in Karachi, Jamat-e-Islami has denounced delay while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected results.

Addressing press conference here, JI Karachi amir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said, “We are not getting results from returning officers despite over 24 hours of delay since conclusion of polling.”

He condemned delay and called on authorities concerned to stop ROs who are “Trying to change results”. Rehman alleged that over 30 voters’ lists were flawed but still reasonable number of people came out to vote.

He said that lot of people from PPP also voted for JI. He said that his party has won over 100 seats, adding that there is ambiguity on rest of seats.

Senior PTI leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi questioned slow dispersal of results despite lower turnout, saying that his party rejects election results. Naqvi said that over 24 hours have passed since polling time but only 60 out of 246 results have been announced, adding that people’s lack of interest in system and democracy is reason behind low turnout.

On question about siding with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan on delimitations and voter list issues, he said that last Local Government’s tenure ended in September 2020 and they could not wait any longer for issues to be resolved. He added that PTI has reservations.

On question about possible coalition with PPP or JI, PTI leader said that they would not form coalition with anyone. He termed PPP an anti-Karachi and anti-Sindh party, adding that he would personally advise his party to back JI if it emerges as leading party.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 17 2023

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