In Karachi, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chapter voiced skepticism on Tuesday regarding the Election Commission of Pakistan’s impartiality. The party expressed dissatisfaction with the postings and transfers of officials just before the general elections, stating that this could potentially impact its voter base negatively.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the JI Karachi Chief, strongly conveyed the party’s resistance to any potential election rigging during a news conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq. He raised concerns about the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) impartiality, particularly in light of reported postings and transfers of presiding officers just before the polls.
Labeling the bureaucratic reshuffling as an effort to favor specific political parties, he criticized the ECP, emphasizing that such actions would be dishonest. Hafiz Naeem expressed worries about additional ballot papers allegedly being provided to selected presiding officers, suggesting a potential manipulation of election results.
Warning that the JI would vehemently oppose any signs of rigging in the February 8 polls, he asserted the party’s commitment to exposing and holding the Election Commission responsible for any electoral chaos. He urged party activists to remain vigilant against alleged rigging attempts, mentioning that the JI had already established vigilance teams to monitor the election process.
Hafiz Naeem encouraged the public to turn out in large numbers to support the JI, citing survey reports positioning the party as the most popular ahead of the polls. He emphasized the significant contribution of Karachi, constituting 42 percent of national income tax collection and 54 percent of the country’s overall exports. Stressing the need for development and peace in Karachi, he called on the media, politicians, and the establishment to take ownership of the megacity.
Additionally, he highlighted the substantial tax contributions from the salaried class in Karachi, comparing it to the entire province of Punjab.
