Violent incidents mar polls, one killed in Pindi

RAWALPINDI: Ugly scen were witnessed during the third phase of the local government elections held in 12 districts of the Punjab and six districts of Karachi as one person was killed, several sustained injuries while dozens were taken into custody by the law enforcement agencies after clashes among different political parties.
In Rawalpindi’s UC 86, Potohar Town, Raja Shoaib, nephew of former law minister Raja Bashrat and cousin of independent candidate Raja Moeen Sultan, was killed during an exchange of firing by PML-N supporters and an independent candidate after clashes between the two groups. The polling in this UC remained suspended for an hour.
Similarly, In UC-91 over 13 persons received injuries following a clash between two groups. In UC-8 a clash took place between supporters of the PML-N and PTI which, however, was averted by the security officials deputed there.
Moreover, a clash between PML-N supporters and the PTI occurred in UC-43 falling in Rawal Town jurisdiction.
In other UCs, the polling process continued in a peaceful way from 8:00am till 5.30pm. In the morning, the turnout remained thin in several UCs of Rawalpindi, however, with the passage of time, voting gained momentum and people started flocking to the polling stations.
The candidates of their respective parties had also arranged transport to pick up their supporters from their homes to get votes. The supporters of the various parties chanted slogans in favour of their candidates.
The staff deputed at certain union councils and supporters in polling booths were seen sitting idle due to the poor response of the voters.
The main contest was witnessed between the candidates belonging to the PML-N and PTI while the polling booths of some independent candidates remained deserted due to a lack of interest of voters.
Rawalpindi commissioner, the DCO besides higher officials of the police visited several Union Councils to assess the overall security arrangements and process of polling.
In UCs 45, 46 and UC 38 a tough contest was witnessed between the candidates of the PTI and PML-N.
In Karachi, political activists, reportedly wearing badges of the electoral symbol candle, attacked a private TV channel’s team during coverage of a Rangers raid on the MQM sector office in Landhi. The charged activists tried to snatch the camera of a private TV channel.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of the Landhi law and order situation that erupted following the Rangers’ raid at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) sector office in the area.
The ECP sought a report of the incident from the provincial election commissioner and District Returning officer (DRO).
The ECP secretary telephoned Sindh police Inspector General and directed him to resolve the issue at the earliest.
Meanwhile, as many as 12 people were injured in Shakargarh as clashes were also reported in Multan and Jhang.
According to details, workers of all parties remained in action throughout polling day and clashes were reported from almost all the districts where elections were held.
In Shakargarh, workers of the PML-N and PTI went out of control causing injuries to as many as 12 persons.
In Hasilpur, the workers of rival political parties clashed causing inhuries to many people.
In UC-36 of Multan, supporters of the PML-N and an independent candidate clashed and sticks were also used freely in this conflict and many sustained injuries.
In UC-19 of Jhang, clashes took place after a conflict among party workers.
In Narowal, fake ballot papers in Government High School Aurangabad caused clashes as stick-bearing workers attacked a polling station in UC-53.