Pakistan's fourth-largest political party struck a blow against organised interference in the electoral process by securing a large majority in the NA246 by-election today.
Founder and leader of the Muttahida Quami Movement, Mr Altaf Hussain said, "This is a great day for democracy in Karachi and a great day for the MQM; at each of 213 polling stations, we have seen a resurgence in popular support for our liberal and progressive cause.
"This result shows that progressive political forces which advocate the changes necessary to secure a prosperous and truly democratic future for Pakistan - forces which oppose extremism and the abuse of religion for political ends - can and will succeed if democracy prevails."
MQM's candidate, Kanwar Naveed Jamil, secured 95,644 votes, a majority of 75%.
Today's by-election passed off peacefully in Karachi and returns MQM its 24th seat in the National Assembly, making it the fourth largest party.
In a press conference earlier today, Dr Farooq Sattar, one of MQM's elected members of the National Assembly, highlighted several tactics being deployed by paramilitary forces operating in Karachi, all of which have delayed the process of voting. These included the late opening of over 30 polling stations, multiple ID checks unduly delaying the voting progress and entry being refused to women carrying purses of handbags. He also highlighted the illegal checking of ballot papers after votes had been cast and the installation of CCTV in polling booths.
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