KARACHI, July 24: Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder Altaf Hussain has termed the Sindh High Court's verdict on his party's petition against the Election Commission's orders as a victory of truth.

He said this while congratulating the candidates, whose victory in the by-polls was upheld by the SHC's division bench.

Mr Abid Ali Umang was declared successful by the SHC bench from NA-240, Nisar Ahmad Panwhar from NA-246 and Yusuf Muneer Shaikh from PS-127.

Mr Hussain claimed the reputation of the chief election commissioner had been damaged as he stayed the May 12 election, despite the fact the MQM candidates had won the ballot.

"To stay the election result and calling for fresh elections was the blackest decision taken by the CEC," Mr Hussain said while congratulating the voters, who turned up on election day in such a big number despite the odds.

He said that the MQM was the only political party which worked for the emancipation of the downtrodden from the clutches of the exploitative feudal system.

He asked the newly-elected members to serve the people with zeal and not to compromise on masses' interests at any cost. He advised them to hold open Kutchery to find out and resolve the problems of their constituency.

The National Assembly members of the MQM also welcomed the SHC decision against the CEC's order of staying the May 12 by-poll results.

They termed it a victory against those who had allegedly tried to plunge the country into anarchy by not honouring the people's mandate.

The MQM supporters from all walks of life also welcomed the SHC verdict, which they said was a vindication of the aspirations of the poor and the downtrodden.