Bilawal accuses PTI of rigging K-P LG polls

PPP chief asks ECP to take notice; urges supporters 'not to be deterred by PTI tactics'

KARACHI:

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday lashed out at the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for "resorting to rigging" in the local bodies elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), calling it a "desperately unpopular" government.

The PTI has sunk to new depths in its attempts to rig local body elections. In DI Khan ANP candidate was assassinated a day before polling, members of his family accused PTI minister of first trying to bribe him then killing him. 1/4

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 19, 2021

"The PTI has sunk to new depths in its attempts to rig local body elections. In DI (Dera Ismail) Khan ANP candidate was assassinated a day before polling, members of his family accused PTI minister of first trying to bribe him then killing him," Bilawal said in a post on Twitter.

A day earlier, Umar Khitab Sherani – the ANP candidate contesting the election for DI Khan city's mayor – was shot dead.

In Peshawar PTI ppl were caught red handed stamping ballot papers the night before polling. All day there have been reports of PTI ransacking polling stations attacking polling staff including women. 2/4

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 19, 2021

According to police, unidentified attackers opened fire at Sherani outside his residence in the limits of Model Town police station and fled. The ANP candidate died on the spot.

Confirming the details, DI Khan District Police Officer Najamul Hasnain told media that police had launched a probe into the matter and started search operations to arrest Sherani's killers.

Taking a dig at the PTI, Bilawal further claimed, "In Peshawar, PTI ppl (people) were caught red-handed stamping ballot papers the night before polling. All day there have been reports of PTI ransacking polling stations and attacking polling staff, including women."

"We appeal to the people of Pakhtunkhwa to not be deterred by PTI tactics, come out in large numbers and defeat PTI with your votes," the scion of the Bhutto dynasty said, adding, "All PPP workers are requested to report violations to party election cell or directly to ECP."

We appeal to the people of Pakhtunkhwa to not be deterred by PTI tactics, come out in large numbers and defeat PTI with your votes. All PPP workers are requested to report violations to party election cell or directly to ECP. 4/4 #KPMainTeerChalega

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 19, 2021

The PPP chief went on to say, "This is what a desperately unpopular government looks like. They are resorting to violence and rigging to try and undermine the people’s choice. We call on the ECP to take action against rigging and ensure free and fair elections."

The first phase of local government polls was held in 17 districts of the K-P that was marred by violence and mismanagement.

The districts where elections were held on Sunday were Buner, Bajaur, Swabi, Pesha¬war, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Tank, Haripur, Khyber, Mohmand, Charsadda, Mardan, Hangu and Lakki Marwat.

This is what a desperately unpopular government looks like. They are resorting to violence and rigging to try and undermine the peoples choice. We call on the ECP to take action against rigging and insure free and fair elections.
3/4

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) December 19, 2021

While addressing an election rally last month, Bilawal said those who came to power at the behest of the “selectors” were ravaging the country.

He claimed his party would triumph over the ruling PTI in its political stronghold of K-P in the next general elections.

In his fiery speech, the PPP chairperson had said his party would send the incumbent government “packing” and “restore the rule of genuine public representatives”.