Achi news desk-
- Internet services suspended in some areas of Punjab, Balochistan.
- PML-N VP Hamza Shehbaz expresses grief over the death of a worker.
- IGP Punjab orders officers for strict action against criminals.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday took note of the killing of a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) worker in a violent clash during by-elections in Narowal in Punjab and complaints of alleged abduction of polling staff.
During today’s by-poll on 21 national and provincial assembly seats, the voting process was marred by violent clashes between workers of different political parties in different districts of Punjab.
The cellular and internet services also remained suspended in some areas of Punjab and Balochistan to maintain law and order situation during the election process.
A PML-N activist was killed in a clash that broke out in PP-54 Narowal with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) workers.
The deceased worker from the ruling party was identified as Muhammad Yousuf who lost his life after the opponents hit him on the head with a stick during the fight, according to the police.
The police said the worker was taken to hospital where he succumbed to injuries, adding that voting has been suspended in this constituency.
PML-N Vice President Hamza Shehbaz expressed grief over the death of a party worker in Narowal.
Expressing condolences over the death of the activist, Hamza slammed the PTI without taking his name, saying that the hooliganism of a political party claimed the life of an innocent man during today’s by-elections.
The senior leader of the ruling party added that the politics of hate spread chaos in society.
PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said that PTI cannot win elections through hooliganism. He added that the killers will be brought to justice.
After violent incidents were reported in various constituencies during the polling process, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Usman Anwar ordered the officers to ensure the implementation of law and order in all constituencies during the major electoral event.
He directed immediate action against the culprits and ordered increased security measures at check posts as a ban was imposed on aerial firing and display of weapons.
The ECP also sought a report regarding the alleged abduction of polling staff in Qila Abdullah.
According to an ECP spokesperson, the commission, at the request of various candidates and the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, has sought a report from the Balochistan provincial election commissioner and deputy commissioner Qila Abdullah regarding the incident of alleged abduction of polling staff in PB-50 Qila Abdullah, according to the state-run Radio Pakistan.
However, deputy commissioner Qila Abdullah verbally said that there was no incident of abduction of polling staff.
The ECP directed the deputy commissioner to submit a written report in this regard so that a proper decision can be taken on the above mentioned applications.
Separately, the election commission also took cognizance of complaints against a presiding officer for accepting signatures of polling agents on blank Form 45 in PP-149 Lahore constituency during by-elections.
The top electoral body sought a report from the Punjab election commissioner to take legal action.
In addition, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja also noticed another incident of interference in the election process today after some armed men entered a polling station in Qilla Abdullah, PB-50 in Balochistan.
The CEC called the provincial police chief personally and asked for a report to take strict action against the person responsible.
