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Musharraf claims setback for extremists in local polls

B. Muralidhar Reddy

President congratulates citizens of Karachi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has claimed that the local body elections resulted in the victory of "moderates and defeat of extremists" everywhere in the country — Sindh, Punjab, Frontier and Balochistan provinces.

Speaking as chief guest after inaugurating a park in the port city of Karachi on Friday, Gen. Musharraf congratulated the citizens of Karachi for what he described as the excellent manner in which the local elections were held.

The elections, he said, were held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

He commended the Sindh Chief Minister, the Governor, the Corps Commander and the Rangers for their efforts in making the local elections a success.

"The outcome of the elections overall in the country is a victory for moderates and enlightenment and defeat for the extremists," he said.

Commenting on the elections in the Frontier Province, he said moderates had won and added the same was true for the rest of Pakistan.

Gen. Musharraf said in the future whoever the mayor of Karachi will ensure that city was transformed into a beautiful metropolis.

Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal-backed candidate was the mayor of the city after the 2001 local bodies election. This time round, Muttahida Quami Movement-backed candidates claim to have won majority of the seats.

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