Election Rigging
Over a dozen protesters were arrested in Punjab on Sunday as demonstrations unfolded against alleged rigging in the recently held general elections. The government had implemented a ban on gatherings of more than five people under Section 144 of the CrPC, leading to arrests at protest venues in Lahore and other major cities.
The protesters had gathered outside returning offices to voice their concerns over what they claimed were rigged election results. The former ruling party had initially planned protests at central points in various cities but altered the plan, citing a heavy deployment of security forces in response to their call.
The general elections on February 8 resulted in delayed outcomes, with the Election Commission of Pakistan issuing complete provisional results on Sunday. Despite independent candidates backed by Imran Khan’s party securing the majority of seats, the PTI alleges electoral tampering and has taken legal action against the results.
Imran Khan’s sister revealed that the PTI founder instructed lawyers to protest outside returning offices to reclaim seats allegedly stolen in the elections. The government maintains the elections were fair and successful, with the interim setup emphasizing the transparency of the PTI-backed independent candidates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Protests led by lawyer Shoaib Shaheen erupted outside the returning officer in Islamabad, while supporters of specific candidates in NA-56 and NA-57 staged protests in the twin cities. Security was heightened around district and regional offices in Punjab, leading to police using tear gas to disperse crowds.
سیاسی جماعتوں کے ذمہ داران سے گذارش ہے کہ قانون ہاتھ میں مت لیں ۔
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) February 11, 2024
قانون شکنی کے رویے کی حوصلہ افزائی مت کریں۔ قانون شکنوں کے خلاف بلا امتیاز کارروائی کی جائے گی ۔
ہائی سیکیورٹی زون میں کسی بھی قسم کے اجتماع کی اجازت نہیں ہے۔ اسلام آباد کیپیٹل پولیس نے پر امن انتخابات کو یقینی…
Arrests and baton charges occurred in Lahore, with the police arresting Shehzad Farooq, a PTI-backed candidate from NA-119. Protests also unfolded outside the provincial election commission in Karachi, involving workers of the PTI, JUI-F, and JI.
The JUI-F blocked highways, and the JI demonstrated at eight locations in Sindh’s capital. The protests come in response to perceived irregularities in the election process, intensifying political tensions in the aftermath of the polls.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
