KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday denied before the election tribunal that the caretaker chief minister had appointed government officials of his choice in his district and that the caretaker CM, retired Justice Zahid Qurban Alvi, was one of his best friends.

He was replying to questions during his cross-examination by Mohammad Aslam Bhutta, counsel for PML-N leader Syed Ghous Ali Shah, who had challenged election results after losing polls for PS-29 and NA-215 (Khairpur) to him and Nawab Ali Waasan, respectively.

Mr Ghous accused his rivals of rigging elections on a large scale.

The Election Tribunal Karachi, headed by Dr Zafar Ahmed Khan Sherwani, put off the hearing to a date to be announced later by the tribunal’s office after the cross-examination of the chief minister.

The PML-N leader had contested election for the PA seat and a National Assembly seat (NA-215), but lost both. Mr Qaim was declared to have won the PA seat after securing 44,362 votes, while PPP candidate Mr Wassan won the NA seat after bagging 91,809 votes.

In his cross-examination, Mr Qaim said that it was incorrect to suggest that the caretaker chief minister, Justice Zahid Qurban Alvi, was one of his best friends.

He admitted that it was correct that the former caretaker CM was also chairman of a tribunal constituted by the provincial government to investigate the tragic incident of a huge blaze in a garment factory in Baldia Town.

The chief minister said that it was correct that Justice Alvi was also chairman of Provincial Zakat Council appointed by the provincial government and was also the chairman of Thar Tribunal.

Mr Shah also conceded that the former caretaker CM was made chairman of the tribunal of Tori Bund breach by his government and he also served as chairman of the Land Allotment Inquiry Committee.

He denied the caretaker CM had changed nine superintendents of police and appointed government functionaries of his choice in his district before the election.

Advocate Aslam Bhutta also cross-examined Mr Wassan.

Both the PPP leaders denied allegations of rigging elections and committing corrupt practices in last election.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2014