KARACHI, June 18: The Mohajir Qaumi Movement’s candidate in the NA-255 byeelection, Syed Abid Jaferi, on Wednesday again accused the administration of being partisan and of denying him the opportunity to campaign.

Addressing a news conference at the Karachi Press Club, Mr Jaferi called upon the residents of Landhi to turn up on the polling day and defy the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s pressure, and vote for him.

He accused the provincial administration of not allowing him to open his election office in the constituency. He also alleged that the Election Commission had not taken any notice of his complaints. “If no corrective measures can be taken, then what is the use of creating a facade of holding elections?”

He alleged that wherever he attempted to open his office, it was raided by police and other agencies, and his supporters, including women, were arrested.

He alleged that on the pretext of eliminating the so-called no-go area, the present government had turned the entire city into a no-go area for the leaders and workers of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement.

He alleged that following the announcement of the election schedule, police and rangers had occupied his party’s offices and handed them over to the Muttahida.

He also alleged that party activists were being rounded up and harassed so as to make them change loyalties. “But when they refuse to succumb to coercion, they are implicated in false cases”, he said.

Mr Jaferi thanked the ARD for extending support in the byeelections.

He also accused the TPO of being partisan, and claimed that the government functionary had told him that he could hold election meetings in Imdad goth or Mansehra Colony but not in Mohajir localities.

AAMIR KHAN: Secretary general of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement, Amir Khan, has criticised the government for its ‘partisan role’ He said that NA-255 byeelection was a good example of the politics of duplicity and bigotry.