Traders to file petition against corrupt leaders

KARACHI: Business leaders have vowed to file a petition in the Supreme Court against political candidates found guilty of corruption, fraud or any type of irregularities, which is to disqualify them from contesting in the forthcoming elections.

While speaking at an event hosted by Dr Mirza Iftikhar Beg, senior business leader, Vice President Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry and former President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tariq Sayeedi, said that the business community would not tolerate corrupt elements in national politics anymore as they have inflicted irreparable loss to the country and also tried to derail democracy.

He said that in their petition, the business community would seek disqualification of corrupt candidates under clauses of 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

Also present on the occasion was Senator Haseeb Khan, who said that the people of Pakistan have been deceived in the name of democracy during the last few years and rampant corruption has led to the rise in poverty. He asked the government where funds worth Rs8500 billion have disappeared as no roads, bridges, schools or dams have been built during the last five years of democracy. He warned that the Karachi University has gone on the verge of closure due to non-release of funds by the government.

S M Muneer said that the only solution to resolve the public’s sufferings is to bring honest and patriotic leadership in the forthcoming elections. He urged upon the people to come out in the next elections and vote for honest leaders only.

Haji Fazal Kadir Sherani said that the country has reached the verge of economic collapse and trade and industrial activities have suffered badly due to energy crisis. He expressed his sheer dismay over the pathetic attitude of the present government for not paying any heed to burning issues.

Dr Ikhtiar Beg said that the country’s economic conditions have become worse and the time has come that the people should vote for those candidates who are not guilty of corruption or are bank defaulters or tax evaders.

Posted in: Business news