Imran wants courts opened ‘now’ over alleged rigging in Punjab by-polls

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has accused the Punjab government of using the state machinery to rig the by-elections on 20 provincial assembly seats while calling upon the courts to “open now and act”.

In a tweet from his official handle on Sunday, Imran said the provincial government led by CM Hamza Shehbaz “brazenly” violated Supreme Court orders and election rules “by openly using all govt/State machinery to rig Punjab elections through illegal ballot stamping & harassing voters while arresting PTI ldrs[leaders]”.

“Through it all ECP [Election Commission of Pakistan] turned a blind eye. Courts must open now & act,” he maintained.

In another tweet, the ex-premier condemned the arrest of PTI leader Shahbaz Gill. “[I] strongly condemn Illegal arrest of Shahbaz Gill simply to try & rig elections & spread fear in people.”

The PTI chairman said these fascist tactics will not work and their supporters will not be deterred from exercising their right to vote. “Handlers of Imported govt should realise damage they are doing to our nation.”

Also read: Vote count underway as balloting ends in crucial by-polls

Vote count is underway after polling for crucial by-elections for the 20 constituencies of the Punjab Assembly ended at 5pm in most districts with Section 144 implemented to establish law and order in the province on Sunday.

However, with around 4.58m voters eligible to exercise their right to vote in the by-elections, the chief election commissioner (CEC) has permitted "all voters present on the premises of polling stations to cast their votes even after 5pm."

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) established 3,131 polling stations in these 20 constituencies, out of which 676 have been declared highly sensitive and 1,194 sensitive.