ECP not satisfied with NA-240 by-polls inquiry report

Two NA-240 election officials made OSDs, PSP chief summoned on July 7

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan took action over violence during the recent by-polls in NA-240, Karachi, terming an inquiry committee’s report into the incidents unsatisfactory because it did not identify the culprit.

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Siknadar Sultan Raja, ordered that the district returning officer and the returning officer be made OSDs, and summoned Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chief Mustafa Kamal on July 7.

Violence marred the NA-240 by-polls on June 16. One person lost his life, while several others sustained injuries. There were also reports of snatching of the ballot papers in the constituency.

During the hearing on Monday, the inquiry report about the by-polls was presented to the ECP. The CEC, who presided over the hearing, termed the inquiry report unsatisfactory. He reprimanded the inquiry committee for not identifying the accused, who stole ballot papers.

The CEC remarked that the “real issue” was the identity of the accused. People from Islamabad went [to Karachi] and found out that the accused was an unknown person. He further remarked that the committee only took a general view and did not hold anyone responsible.

The ECP, while ordering legal action against the presiding officer, remarked that the presiding officer did not appear to be innocent. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Korangi Karachi said that one person, Junaid alias Jani, had been identified.

The SSP said that PSP chief Mustafa Kamal entered a polling station with the party workers and held the staff hostage and start smashing the ballot boxes. He added that four PSP members had also been arrested, while the party had sent Junaid into hiding.

The ECP Member from Punjab remarked that the job of the police was to prevent unrest and not to take action later. He asked how could one dare to snatch ballot papers in the presence of the police.

If this was the performance of the police in one constituency, what would happen when the general elections are held, he remarked. The ECP also issued a warning to the Sindh police chief, saying that it could change the inspector general.

The ECP summoned PSP chief Mustafa Kamal on the next hearing. The lawyer for PSP's raised the question whether there was any footage of Mustafa Kamal entering the polling station. He added no one wanted to go to the real accused – the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

The CEC said that if there was any evidence in this regard, the ECP would take action. He added that action would be taken against anyone who interfered with the election process. “Elections are no joke,” he said.