PTI leader alleges rigging in NA-130
PTI Party flag PHOTO:Express
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ahmed Awais has accused the authorities of electoral malpractice in Lahore's NA-130 constituency, claiming that more than 74,000 votes were cast over the total number of registered voters.
Awais made these allegations during a news conference at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday, where he was joined by former Advocate General Punjab Sajid Nabi Syed and other PTI members. The conference raised concerns about the fairness of the February 8 electoral process and the broader political climate in Pakistan.
Awais specifically pointed to NA-130, where he alleged that three-time former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif secured a victory through fraudulent means.
"If we need an example of election rigging in Pakistan, the case of Dr Yasmin Rashid's constituency, NA-130, stands out. It was an unprecedented instance of electoral fraud, with 74,000 more votes cast than the actual number of registered voters," Awais stated.
He further criticised the entire election process, alleging it had been manipulated to ensure Sharif's victory. Awais expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasising that there should be a limit to such malpractices.
He accused those responsible for the manipulation of lacking intelligence, alleging they had altered Form 47an official document used in the electoral processto falsely award the National Assembly seat to Nawaz Sharif. Awais also addressed the ongoing detention of Dr Yasmin Rashid, former PTI Central Punjab President, following the May 9 incidents.
He questioned the lack of evidence against her, suggesting that if she had been involved in any unlawful activities, she should have been prosecuted by now.
"The state has no evidence against her. If she was involved in any arson incident, she should have been punished by now after a trial," he remarked. The PTI leader reiterated his party's demand for a transparent investigation into the events of May 9, denying any connection between PTI and the incidents.
He implied that the investigation was deliberately stalled to protect those responsible.