PSP chief booked for hampering election process

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Pak Sarzamin Party chief Mustafa Kamal to Islamabad on June 22 on charges of insulting the presiding officers and tearing unused ballot papers during the NA-240 Korangi by-election.

According to the notice, it has been brought to the ECP's notice that unfortunate incidents of violence took place at various polling stations during the by-election of NA-240 Korangi in Karachi. As a result, the law-and-order situation deteriorated, and the peaceful conduction of polling was hampered.

It has also been brought to the notice of the commission that criminal cases have been registered in this regard.

Reports have also been received from the concerned presiding officers.

According to reports, Kamal, along with other 50 to 60 party workers, insulted the presiding officers at polling stations 51 and 165 and tore up unused ballot papers. As the head of a political party, he was supposed to abide by all the instructions and rules issued by the ECP from time to time.

Therefore, Kamal should appear in person or through his counsel at the ECP office in Islamabad on June 22 at 10am for clarification.

On the other hand, the ECP has also notified the presiding officer of polling station No87 and summoned him on June 22 at 11.00 am. The notice said that it was alleged that the presiding officer was involved in stealing ballot papers, so he should explain the matter.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2022.