KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has welcomed the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to hold a rally in Jinnah Ground situated in Karachi's Azizabad area.
"We have welcomed PTI ─ wherever they want to hold a rally, they are most welcome."
The governor was speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, flanked by PTI's Imran Ismail and MQM representatives. He said that all political parties should play a responsible role to facilitate the PTI's wish to hold the rally.
The Sindh governor said of Altaf Hussain's earlier statement "With regards to the party, workers and the public ─ they have been advised to refrain from involvement in any sort of provocation."
"He also wanted there to be a code of conduct which every candidate and party would have to adhere to, in order to facilitate democratic and peaceful elections."
The governor is hopeful that political parties will take responsibility for, and contribute in any way they can to maintain peace in Karachi.
Imran Ismail, speaking at the same press conference said, "We welcome Altaf Hussain's offer and are thankful that he has welcomed the PTI and helped defuse the situation."
"We also wish to contest these elections in a peaceful manner."
The press conference follows at the heels of MQM chief Altaf Hussain's offer to the PTI to either hold its rally in Azizabad's Jinnah Ground ─ while maintaining the sanctity of the "martyrs' memorial" situated there ─ or to hold the rally at some other venue.
Hussain's offer comes a day after MQM and PTI supporters clashed in Azizabad ─ an MQM bastion ─ from where Imran Ismail is contesting by-elections for NA-246 after the resignation from the National Assembly of Nabeel Gabol.
Speaking to reporters in Azizabad yesterday, Ismail announced the party’s intent to hold a rally at Jinnah Ground in Azizabad on Apr 19.
Read more: PTI leader's convoy attacked in Karachi's Azizabad, FIR registered
He had said, "It is perceived as Altaf Hussain’s house and there could be some trouble, but we want to say we have absolutely no fear ... We want to have a rally there."
Following his announcement, unidentified men wielding bats and bricks attacked Ismail's convoy near Jinnah Ground.
Acting on the request of PTI member Uzair Afridi, Azizabad police registered an FIR against unidentified people for attacking the PTI convoy near Jinnah Ground. MQM also lodged a complaint against PTI activists in the Azizabad police station.
MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi while addressing a press conference following the incident said, “PTI activists have disrespected the martyrs monument located adjacent to Jinnah Ground.”
“They abused MQM leadership and its martyrs while standing on the monument which triggered a violent response from the residents of the area,” he added.
