KARACHI: MQM Pakistan has filed a petition to stop the already delayed local body elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.
In the petition filed by MQM Pakistan, it has been argued that before the local elections, it is necessary to review the legal complications and they should also be heard as a party.
In the petition, MQM-Pakistan has adopted a stand that according to the order of the Supreme Court, local bodies cannot be empowered without legislation. local elections should not be held until amendments are made in the local laws, it added.
In its plea, the MQM Pakistan said that our position should be heard before deciding the case.
It should be remembered that Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI have filed petitions against the postponement of the local body elections and the court has summoned the Election Commission, Sindh government and IG Sindh to respond.
On Thursday, the Sindh High Court expressed its anger at the Election Commission for repeatedly postponing the elections and ordered that it is enough, now hold elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The hearing on the pleas of Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI related to holding local body elections was conducted under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Sindh High Court.
During the hearing, Justice Yusuf Ali Saeed asked why the elections are being postponed again and again.
The Election Commission lawyer said that the meeting could not be held yesterday due to the holiday. To which, the Chief Justice remarked that this is the Election Commission and not a school, what happened if it was a holiday? The meeting could have been held. It is enough, you should hold elections, he observed.
The Chief Justice inquired that where are the reports of IG Sindh and DG Rangers? The Chief Justice expressed his indignation and asked which police go in flood? Tell me what the police are doing to the flood victims? What is the duty of the police there?
Justice Amir Ali M Sheikh said that tell me one village where the police has conducted an operation for the flood victims. How many people are there in Sindh? Tell me where the police are stationed, he added
Chief Justice Amir Ali M Sheikh remarked that there is a security problem, why are elections not being held in Karachi and Hyderabad? It is your responsibility to conduct the election, he added.
The court ordered the DG Rangers and IG Sindh to submit a report on the total number of personnel and said that the DG Rangers and IG Sindh should present themselves or depute a senior officer.
The lawyer of Election Commission prayed for holding hearing after the meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan. To which, the Chief Justice said that we have nothing to do with the meeting, you should hold elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.
