JI Karachi condemns detention of elected representatives, demands immediate release

KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Munim Zafar Khan has condemned the detention of elected local government representatives across the city and demanded their immediate release.

In a statement, Munim Zafar alleged that several elected representatives had been summoned to police stations and detained without being given any reason.

He said Khursheed Iqbal, chairman of Union Council 7 in Korangi’s Zaman Town, was asked by police to accompany them to the police station. However, when he arrived, he was allegedly prevented from leaving.

Munim Zafar further said that Chanesar Town councillors Athar Imam and Mujahid were summoned to Tipu Sultan Police Station and detained. Sajid Jilani, a ward councillor from Jinnah Town’s UC 1, and a ward councillor from Soldier Bazaar were also reportedly detained.

According to the JI Karachi chief, Allah Gul was being held at the SITE Super Highway Police Station in District East.

He alleged that the detentions were being carried out at the behest of those who came to power through Form 47, adding that such actions would not hinder development work.

The Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson identified the detained representatives as Khursheed Iqbal, chairman of UC 7, Zaman Town; Adil Muhammad, vice-chairman of UC 6, Gulshan-e-Iqbal; Athar Imam, councillor of UC 1, Chanesar; Javed, councillor of UC 1, Gulshan; Sajid Jilani, Ward 3 councillor of UC 1, Jinnah Town; and Allah Gul.

Munim Zafar demanded the immediate release of the detained representatives and said no reason had been provided for their detention.