ECP Investigates Allegations in Pakistan By-Elections

Vote counting is currently ongoing for 21 national and provincial seats in Pakistan after the conclusion of polling. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) conducted by-elections for five vacant National Assembly seats, 12 Punjab Assembly seats, and two each for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan legislatures. Additionally, re-polling took place in all constituencies of Balochistan's PB-50. The polling process began at 8am and ended at 5pm, with unconfirmed results being awaited.

Cellular services were temporarily suspended in specific districts of Punjab and Balochistan during the by-elections to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) made this decision following the directives of the interior ministry. Allegations of rigging surfaced, with PTI Chairman Gohar Khan stating that rigging incidents were rampant throughout the day.

Incidents of violence and disruptions were reported during the by-elections. A PML-N worker was reportedly murdered in Narowal, leading to accusations against PTI workers. The ECP initiated investigations into various incidents, including a presiding officer signing a blank form in Punjab and a firing incident in Sheikhupura.

Security measures were heightened across different polling stations, with police intervention required to resolve conflicts between political party workers. The Lahore Capital City Police Chief emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards arms display and violence, ensuring a peaceful voting environment.

Overall, the by-elections in Pakistan witnessed a mix of allegations, incidents, and security measures to safeguard the electoral process. The ECP's investigations and security arrangements played a crucial role in maintaining order during the voting process.