Chaos erupts at Karachi’s city council, JI members chant slogans against mayor

Karachi: The first meeting of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's City Council following the mayoral polls in mid-June was marked by turmoil and disorder, as Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) members voiced slogans against the PPP and the city mayor, Murtaza Wahab.

Murtaza Wahab was elected as Karachi's mayor after a tough contest against JI's Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who had claimed numerical superiority before the election on June 15. However, on the polling day, JI secured 160 votes against Wahab's 173, leading Hafiz to reject the results.

Since then, tensions between the two parties have escalated, with JI opting not to participate in a meeting called by Wahab to discuss the smooth functioning of the 367-member council.

During the recent meeting, Rehman criticized the mayor, accusing him of seizing the position while JI members chanted slogans against the PPP. The council proceedings were marred by physical altercations among some council members, while the mayor attempted to restore order.

Despite the unrest, Mayor Wahab extended a welcome to all city council members and expressed hope that they would work together for the betterment of Karachi. He emphasized the need for mutual understanding and cooperation among all parties to address the city's issues effectively.

The mayor pledged to prioritize water, sewage, roads, and park development in Karachi, stating that solving problems required collaborative efforts rather than mere slogans. He urged the members present to focus on the city's progress, as a developed Karachi would contribute to the overall advancement of the country.

The introductory meeting also saw addresses from PTI Parliamentary Leader Asad Aman, PML-N Parliamentary Leader Muhammad Feroze, and PPP Parliamentary Leader Najmi Alam, who all expressed their commitment to the development of Karachi.

Later, Mayor Wahab responded to the commotion at the city council meeting during a press conference, urging all parties to work together and focus on providing hope to the people of Karachi rather than engaging in futile conflicts.