ECP did not address MQM-P concerns: Khaid Maqbool

Islamabad: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui voiced dissatisfaction with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), saying that the regulatory body did not address the concerns raised by his party in the lead-up to the scheduled elections on February 8 next year.

Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in Islamabad, Siddiqui addressed reporters, saying that while the ECP successfully resolved issues raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sindh, it unfortunately failed to adequately address the concerns raised by other political parties, particularly MQM-P.

The MQM-P delegation, led by Siddiqui, engaged in discussions with CEC Raja to bring to light the challenges faced by the party in anticipation of the upcoming general elections.

Siddiqui emphasized that the party maintained high expectations from the chief election commissioner, although doubts persisted regarding the effective resolution of the raised issues.

Khalid Maqbool also highlighted the intricate political, administrative, and electoral divisions within Sindh, cautioning that the country could face an escalation of crises if the ECP and the caretaker government in Sindh fail to ensure transparent elections.

Accusing the provincial election commissioner of exhibiting bias in favor of the PPP, Siddiqui alleged that the caretaker government in Sindh is operating in the interest of the PPP.

Farooq Sattar expressed disappointment over the rejection of their objections concerning delimitation, emphasizing that the ECP's acceptance of objections raised by the PPP exacerbated concerns related to constituency delineation. Specifically, Sattar pointed out the inclusion of Saeedabad, a part of Karachi's Baldia Town constituency, into the Keamari constituency under the new delimitation.

Sattar indicated that the chief election commissioner or the party may resort to approaching the Islamabad High Court (IHC) as a final recourse. Sattar leveled accusations against the PPP, alleging the seizure of Sindh's resources and implicating the party in corruption amounting to trillions of rupees.