KARACHI, Aug 21: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has succeeded to make inroads in Punjab by getting 25 candidates of Haq Parast panel elected in the first phase of local government elections held on Thursday.

Although the number of winning candidates was not as impressive as it had been in Sindh but the elected councillors of Haq Parast panel by their performance would make the MQM’s presence felt in Multan, Rahimyar Khan, Gujranwala, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Muzaffar Garh, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad.

According to details, four Haq Parast councillors were elected in Multan. Likewise, three councillors were elected in Rahimyar Khan, one councillor in Gujranwala, two in Khanewal, two in Sahiwal, three in Bhawalpur, three in Muzaffar Garh, one in Rawalpindi, one in Faisalabad and one in Samundri.

In the second phase, polling will be held in 56 districts on Aug 25. Haq Parast candidates are fielded in many districts of Punjab and Sindh.

In Sindh, the Haq Parast had already won seats in Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Naushero Feroze, Sanghar, Shahdadpur, Tando Adam and Kashmore.

In Mirpurkhas alone, the Haq Parast had won 85 seats including five UC Nazims and one Naib Nazim. In Naushero Feroze, 13 candidates won including two UC Nazims; in Sanghar 32 councillors; in Kashmore eight councillors and one Naib Nazim.

In the second phase polling will be held in 18 districts of Punjab, 12 districts of Sindh, 12 districts of the NWFP and 14 districts of Balochistan.