KARACHI, June 1: The election campaign in NA-255, where 16 candidates are in the field, is marked by corner meetings of only three candidates. They are Dr Farooq Sattar of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Aslam Mujahid of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and Syed Abid Jafri of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement.

The remaining 13 contestants are either covering candidates or independents and most of them are likely to withdraw their candidature on the eve of polling day.

Speaking at corner meetings in Burmi Colony and Chiragh Hotel in Landhi on Saturday, Dr Farooq Sattar said a new chapter has begun in Landhi after 11 years of repression.

The MQM candidate said the no-go areas were being demolished where protectors of feudal system and criminal elements despite spending billions of rupees failed to win hearts of people. “Their hearts beat in unison with Altaf Hussain,” he added.

Dr Sattar said the MQM’s destination was not election or power rather it wanted the common man to get his rights. Work on development schemes which was stopped on June 19 with the launching of the midnight operation, would begin soon, he said.

Dr Farooq Sattar lamented that the people of the constituency were exploited economically and held out the assurance that new projects in water, power, education and health sectors would be implemented to provide people relief.

Speaking at corner meetings at Landhi UC-8, 9 and 10, Aslam Mujahid of the MMA said the people of Landhi had voted in favour of MQM candidate in four elections but they failed to deliver.

He said the MQM had raised the issue of quota system but forgotten it after coming into power. Likewise, despite enjoying power and miniseries they were not taking any step for the repatriation of Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh.

Aslam Mujahid claimed that after the announcement of election schedule, a water and power crisis was being created in Korangi and Landhi and the people were being victimised. He asked the people that their vote could eliminate the politics of extortion and terrorism.