KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) mayoral candidate for Karachi Waseem Akhtar, while referring to the issue of extension of the Rangers' stay in Sindh, said he would side with democratic institutions if the situation turned to one where democracy was endangered.

While the MQM has reservations over the Rangers' operation, he said during an interview with BBC Urdu, those concerns have been delivered to those in the relevant corridors of power.

He said the Karachi operation, which was a demand of the MQM, should not solely be restricted to Karachi.

The MQM leader was reluctant to talk about the Rangers’ notice against him, saying that he did not want to look at the past, but is eager to focus on his new responsibilities.

When quizzed about his plan for Karachi, Akhtar said, "Before initiating any development and welfare activities, I have to struggle for acquiring the budget and powers for the LG institutions," adding that resolving the water shortage issue and restoring cleanliness were his top priorities.

He called for the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Anwar Zaheer Jamali to take action under Article 140 A of the Constitution and devolve powers to local government (LG) bodies.

He said the Article categorically stated that powers should be transferred to the grass roots level, and was of the opinion that the apex court, which had ordered that LG polls be held, should now ensure the transfer of powers to the newly elected local bodies.

He said the MQM would raise the demands of elected forums in the country and would approach judiciary if they remained unheard at political platforms. He also indicated the party would approach masses if the judiciary failed to deliver them their due powers.