MQM moves SC against alleged rigging in Punjab by-polls

MQM says PML-N violated election commission's code of conduct, exhibited weapons during by-polls.

LAHORE: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) filed a petition in the Supreme Court Lahore registry on Wednesday against the Punjab government’s alleged rigging in the recently held by-polls in the province.

The party, through its Punjab chapter Vice-President Shaheen Anwar Gilani, filed a writ petition in the apex court alleging that Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N)’s government in Punjab used state machinery in the by-polls to secure victory for its candidates.

Gilani said that the leaders and workers of PML-N violated the code of conduct set by the election commission and freely exhibited arms on the day of polling.

He further alleged that the Punjab government used the provincial police force as a militant force in the by-polls.

The petitioner prayed the court to take notice of the alleged illegality committed by the Punjab government and issue necessary directions to the election commission to ensure fairness in the upcoming general elections.