MWM demands army deployment for free, fair elections in peaceful environment

Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen has demanded that army be deployed in Karachi to ensure holding of free and fair elections in a peaceful environment.

“No-go areas exist in the city. Our officials, workers and supporters are being hurled with threats in the areas of PS- 127 that should not go unnoticed,” said Allama Sadiq Raza Taqvi, secretary general of the MWM Karachi chapter at a press conference on Thursday.

Allama Shaikh Hassan Salahuddin, Asif Safavi and Aqeel Kazmi of the MWM were also present on the occasion.

He said that some hooligans who claimed them office bearers and members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement have been threatening the MWM’s officials and supporters and also disturbing the election related activities of the MWM particularly in the areas of the constituency PS-127.

“We demand MQM leadership and in particular Altaf Hussain to take notice of these people who are active in Malir, Jinnah Square, Ice Depot, Jafar-e-Tayyar. We demand action against them because they are defaming the MQM,” he urged.

Allama Taqvi condemned the terrorist attacks and blasts on the election campaign related public meetings, election office and camps of Awami National Party, MQM, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf and Jamaat-e-Islami. He demanded that foolproof security be provided for all the parties and the electoral candidates.

“We see no writ of the caretakers anywhere in Pakistan. Therefore, we demand that army personnel should take the lead and be deployed to maintain law and order and peace for free and fair elections,” he demanded.

He further demanded that a level playing field should be ensured for all the contesting parties and candidates because free, fair and transparent elections are not possible without level playing field for all the contenders. He said that necessary steps be taken forthwith.

“MWM begins its election campaign formally from today. We are a platform for an anti-terrorism and a progressive and developed viable Pakistan. We are sure that people will bring to power the enemies of terrorism and true friends of progressive Pakistan through the Elections 2013,” he said.

He appealed to the caretaker government, IG Sindh Police, DG Rangers and all other relevant higher authorities to adopt measures for the safety and security of the office bearers, members, and supporters of the MWM and in particular the electoral contestants of the MWM.