KARACHI, Dec 25: Polling activities have started gaining momentum in parts of Lyari and Saddar towns as flags, banners and posters of various contesting parties can be seen in almost every nook and corner trumpeting the arrival of a major national event just round the corner.
In Lyari Town, a Pakistan People’s Party’s stronghold, PPP flags can be seen waving with banners supporting the party in various union councils of the town including Chawkiwara, Singoo Lane, Rangiwara, Baghdadi, Kalri and Shah Beg Lane.
Surprisingly in Ali Mohammad Mohalla of Shah Beg Lane, a strong support base area of Baloch nationalists and the PPP, election symbols and flags of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have been put up without reports of any resistance from the other side.
A visit to Ali Mohammad Mohalla will surely startle many as one can see MQM and PPP flags waving side by side at various points in the locality hinting at the dawn of a new political era.
Besides, banners supporting a dissident PPP worker, Shakoor Shad, who is contesting on NA-248 seat against PPP’s candidate Nabeel Gabol are also visible in many Baloch-dominated areas. According to a senior PPP leader, Mr Shad has recently been expelled from the party.
On Tuesday morning, the PPP workers were seen hoisting party flags and banners on Baghdadi Saifi Lane’s Bombassa Street, Fida Hussain Sheikha Road and Haji Pir Mohammad Road.
Commenting on the situation, a senior political worker of the area said that the situation had greatly changed and it would continue to change further.
“We are entering a new phase of political development wherein a multi-party culture will play an important role,” he said.
But at the same time, he said that the key parties would continue to dominate the scene till old options were exhausted.
He was of the view that the past experience of the masses was a major reason for a change in the mindset. People wanted new forces to replace the old ones, he said.
He said that a similar situation was developing in the MQM-dominated areas where other parties, particularly the religious ones, were making inroads; however, the pace was slow.
Posters supporting the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal’s candidate, Ibrahim Raees Advocate, were also seen in the streets of Baghdadi.
Similarly, election activities are also picking up in various areas of Saddar Town with the opening of election offices of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in Kharadar, Chand Bibi Road, Ranchor Line etc.
Flags, banners and Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief’s portraits are visible at a number of public places and party workers have started organizing corner meetings to mobilise supporters.
