By-polls held largely peacefully

Polling in by-elections for two National Assembly seats was largely held peacefully on Sunday, but the traditional enthusiasm was missing. Strict security arrangements were made for the by-polls in NA-237 (Malir) and NA-239 (Korangi), but scattered incidents of violence were reported at some polling stations.

Due to the absence of traditional hustle and bustle, the turnout remained low in the morning hours, while candidates, especially those belonging to PTI and PPP, accused each other of rigging.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had made good arrangements to ensure free and fair polls and the candidates appeared largely satisfied with arrangements at the polling stations. Despite lackluster morning polling, political parties and their workers managed to bring out their voters to the polling stations as the day progressed. An increase in turnout was seen at many polling stations between 12:30pm and 4pm.

In the rural areas of NA-237 (Malir), there was a rush at many polling stations. People from all age groups, including elderly, the disabled and women came out in large numbers to cast their votes. Polling agents of contestants guided the voters on voting procedures at their respective camps. The polling ended at 5pm in the evening.

Bilal Ghaffar injured

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf I Karachi President Bilal Ghaffar was injured in an alleged attack in the Ghazi Goth area in the by-elections held in National Assembly Constituency NA 237 Malir in Karachi.

He was rushed to a private hospital I serious condition. PTI Sindh President Ali Zaidi along with lawyers has approached Malir City Police for FIR. PTI Sindh spokesperson Arslan Taj said in a statement that Ghaffar was attacked by, "the thugs of PPP MPA Salim Baloch with the support of local police."

Taj said Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has become a silent spectator to the bullying of PPP, while the ruling party in Sindh fearing its defeat was blatantly using government machinery to win the NA-237 seat.

"Our message to PPP is don't try our patience, if our workers get provoked, PPP will have no place to hide," Taj warned adding that PTI wanted conduct of polling process in a peaceful environment.

PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman condemning the attack on Bilal Ghaffar said that the opponents should accept their worst defeat instead of attacking Imran Khan's people. It has become very difficult for the 15-parties coalition to win the by-elections. PTI people are being attacked and harassed. Every PTI worker including Bilal Ghaffar stand by with their leader.

Former Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail has condemned the attack on Bilal Ghaffar. The PPP workers (Jayalas) are scared of their defeat. Despite the presence of the police, Bilal Ghaffar was attacked and tortured.

Imran Ismail said that the gangster elements of PPP have been given free hand by the Sindh police. Unpleasant occurrences in elections are part of the rigging plan.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 17^th, 2022.