By-elections in Punjab: MQM files petition in SC against ‘rigging’

Party alleges PMLN-led Punjab government used the state machinery in the by-polls to secure victory for its candidates

LAHORE:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against alleged rigging carried out by the Punjab government in the recent by-elections in the province.

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

The petitioner alleged that PML-N leaders and workers violated the code of conduct set by ECP, and that they freely exhibited arms on the day of polling. The petitioner requested the court to take notice of the matter and issue necessary directions to the ECP to ensure fairness in the upcoming general elections.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2012.