Protests erupted in Karachi following allegations of electoral fraud under the auspices of Jamat-e-Islami, accusing the Election Commission of biased behavior and failure to ensure peaceful, free, and fair elections. Demonstrators condemned what they deemed as the worst electoral malpractice, including ballot tampering, and voiced concerns over the imposition of terror by militant groups to sway the results.
On election day, incidents of violence and seizure of polling stations in Karachi went unchecked by authorities, prompting a joint protest outside the Sindh Election Commission office last week. Protesters decried the commission’s incompetence, fraudulent practices, and the purported hijacking of seats and mandates by Jamat-e-Islami.
Ameer JI Karachi Hafiz Naeemur-Rehman, addressing the protesters, announced an expansion of the protest scope to demand accountability for electoral irregularities. He called for protests at eight key locations across the city on Sunday, February 11, urging citizens to reclaim their mandates and ensure the release of accurate results as per Form 45.
Naeemur-Rehman emphasized Jamat-e-Islami’s commitment to upholding genuine mandates and resisting undue influence. The protests garnered support from various political figures, including Deputy Amir Karachi Dr. Osama Razi, General Secretary Munaam Zafar Khan, Deputy Ameer Saifuddin Advocate, and PTI leaders Aftab Jahangir and Barrister Abdul Jalil.
The demonstrations outside the Election Commission office received accolades from Karachi’s residents, who defied mobile and internet service shutdowns on election day to assert their democratic rights. The protests symbolized public rejection of entrenched power structures and a determination to hold accountable those who undermine democracy in Karachi.
