KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) traded barbs as they blamed each other for rigging during by-elections on two seats of National Assembly in Sindh. 

Almost five million people in 11 constituencies were expected to cast their votes in high-stakes by-elections held, described by political pundits as “a referendum” on popularity of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

This is seen as a decisive moment in a polarised political environment of country, with outcome indicating support for policies of a beleaguered government or a continued stalemate. Tensions remained high as allegations of electoral rigging surfaced on social media. PTI’s Ali Haider alleged that PPP leaders were in breach of electoral commission’s regulations as they apparently roamed around polling stations with armed private guards.

Claims were soon followed by video footage of PTI Karachi President Bilal Ahmed Ghaffar which was posted by another party leader and former federal minister Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi. Ghaffar can be heard saying that PPP workers “threw him to floor” before 10 to 15 people hit him with bricks. “Saleem Baloch MPA was first one who attacked me,” he said alleging that police “did not respond” as attack took place. Claims were also endorsed by PTI Sindh’s spokesperson Arsalan Taj who said that “Hakeem Baloch’s son” was behind alleged attack.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 17 2022

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