LG polls a chance for Karachiites to change their fortunes: JI chief

Karachi
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief said on Saturday that through the upcoming local government elections, the residents of Karachi had a chance to bring about durable peace and progress in the city.
“The residents of Karachi can ensure a bright future for themselves using their votes, if they realise their power,” Senator Siraj-ul-Haq said at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Karachi.
He announced that the JI was contesting for 95 percent of seats in the union councils of Karachi, including those in adjustment with other like-minded parties.
The JI chief said his party would rid the city of the culture of “usurping rights”.
“We will restore the rights of the people of Karachi and bring an end to their grievances,” he vowed.
Comparing the situation between Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haq said in the former the provincial government had deprived municipal institutions of their rights while in the latter they had been strengthened by increasing their funds and administrative powers.
He expressed his concern over the Sindh government’s manner of governance pointing out that the chairman of the water board was also the local government minister. The JI chief praised the law enforcement agencies’ efforts in the crackdown against criminals in Karachi.
“The operation has produced positive results and the residents of Karachi, particularly traders, have breathed a sigh of relief,” he added.
Priorities
The JI chief said his party would focus on the water crisis in the city as its top priority, and also address the issues of transportation, education and health, if given a chance to come into power and serve the city.
He vowed that the JI would bring an end to the class-based system and the sense of deprivation among the masses.
The JI leader a also criticised the role of the Governor’s House in the appointment of the Dow University of Health Sciences’ vice chancellor and the chairman of the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi.
He said the JI would announce the name of its candidate for seat of the Karachi at a suitable time.