KARACHI, 7 July — The Jamaat-e-Islami claimed yesterday that it had emerged as a potent political force in the southern Sindh city following the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s decision to boycott the local council polls on July 2. “The Jamaat is now the largest political party in Karachi,” said Professor Ghafoor Ahmad, the party’s deputy chief.
The JI leader acknowledged that the MQM had made a mistake by keeping itself away from the election process but warned the party against committing another blunder by refusing to accept those elected to different posts.
For his part, Ghafoor believes the migrants from India — the vote bank of the MQM — have suffered due to the petty party politics. “During the past fifteen years or so the largest city of the country, which pays more taxes, has been the worst victim of lawlessness. You will find all kinds of crimes here. City’s industry and business has suffered losses in billions of rupees,” the Jamaat deputy chief said.
“The MQM asked the people of Karachi to support them in return for securing the future of their coming generations. But contrary to that no one is secure here in the city. Every one’s life and property is at risk,” he said. Most of all it is the future of the country that worries Ghafoor. “People are talking openly against Pakistan. Recently a meeting was held at Lahore at which supporters of a party spoke out against the country. Even the MQM and JSQM have been issuing statements like that and no one has warned them about that. It is a matter of grave concern,” he said. Such issues are far more important than the economy of the country, he added.
