PPP in pole position in Karachi after victory in LG by-elections

Bilawal terms PPP's victory as "historical achievement". PPP's position strengthens with 98 seats in Karachi. JI on second and PTI on third spot with 98 and 42 seats, respectively.

Title: PPP Emerges Victorious in Karachi Local Government By-Elections

Introduction:

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has achieved a significant victory in the local government by-elections in Karachi, strengthening its position and moving closer to securing the city's mayoral seat. The party has secured seats in 98 union council constituencies in the port city, as unofficial results were announced. While the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the results of 240 seats out of the total 246, the results for the remaining six seats are pending. The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) holds the second position, followed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

PPP's Success and Gratitude:

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed gratitude for the party's historical achievement in the by-elections. In a message shared on Twitter, he acknowledged the trust placed in the PPP by the people, the sacrifices of the party's martyred leaders and workers, and the hard work of supporters. Bilawal emphasized that the responsibilities of PPP's supporters have increased, and their focus should be on serving the people without discrimination.

Development and Inclusion:

Bilawal instructed union council chairmen and councilors to prioritize the development of every street and neighborhood in the province. He reminded them that every street has significance as it represents the legacy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, while every neighborhood belongs to the leader of the people, PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Bilawal emphasized that the homes of ordinary Pakistanis are as important as the Bilawal House, urging his party's supporters to set a high standard in serving the people.

Results and Incidents in Karachi:

The unofficial results indicate that out of 15 general member seats where by-polls were conducted in various wards of Karachi, the PPP secured seven, JI secured five, PTI secured two, and PML-N secured one. The elections were held across five divisions, with some incidents of violence reported. Despite minor incidents, the polling process proceeded without interruption. However, allegations of rigging and misconduct surfaced from different parties, including JI and PTI.

Other Areas and Election Process:

In addition to Karachi, by-elections were held in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Ghotki, and Khairpur. The results in these areas are yet to be announced due to multiple reasons, including the unfortunate deaths of some candidates. The Election Commission established polling stations with Sindh Police personnel deployed for security duties.

JI's Accusations and PTI's Criticism:

JI chief in Sindh, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, accused the PPP of changing the results and alleged that the state machinery was being used to manipulate the outcome in favor of the PPP. He stated that the JI would resist the theft of its mandate and not accept forged results. PTI MPA Jamaluddin Siddiqi criticized the local government system, asserting that it prioritizes self-interest over the well-being of the people. He questioned the PPP's victories in places where the party had little presence.

Conclusion:

The Pakistan People's Party's major win in the Karachi local government by-elections marks a significant step toward securing the mayoral seat. With the party's success in securing seats in various constituencies, the PPP aims to serve the people of Karachi without discrimination. However, allegations of rigging and misconduct have marred the electoral process, with parties like JI and PTI expressing their concerns. It is crucial for the Election Commission of Pakistan to address these allegations and ensure a fair and transparent election process for the betterment of local governance in Karachi and other areas.