LAHORE
Other than a few minor scuffles between the supporters and voters of the PML-N and PTI which continued throughout the day at different polling stations, the polling ended peacefully in Shalimar Town area without creating any law and order.
Police and other authorities concerned have done a commendable job on Saturday in keeping things calm at an electrifying atmosphere observed on the polling day.
The Local Government elections held after 10 years in the country attracted a large number of voters who exercised their right to vote on Saturday.
Overall, there was an election festivity for the locals during the last few weeks in the historic Shalimar Town wherein constituencies including NA-123, 124, 119 and PP 143, 141, 144, 145 and 146 fall. China Scheme, Baghbanpura, Singhpura, Gujarpura, Chah Miran, Sawami Nagar, Ghoray Shah, Wasanpura Scheme No.2, Bhagatpura, Daroghawala, Shadbagh, Begumpura, Angori Scheme, etc. are famous localities in the town.
On the polling day, young and old male and female voters turned towards the polling stations soon after the election timing commenced at 7:30am, but their number increased gradually with the passage of time. It was also observed that voters thronged the polling stations during afternoon to vote their candidates.
In UC 45, Chah Meeran, UC 126, Begumpura, PTI and PML-N workers exchanged hot words and the police had to call to make things under control. Police party within no time reached the spot and separated both groups.
Due to public holiday, kids and children with painted faces and party flags were also observed roaming around with their parents at the historic moment. At some places, meal was also offered to pacify voters' hunger.
Similarly, the PML-N and PTI workers were also observed providing pick and drop facilities in different Union Councils to attract voters. The ruling party as observed would clinch majority of the UC seats in Shalimar Town whereas the PTI may get a
few ones taking advantage of division within the ranks of the PML-N voters as senior leadership denied tickets to some of its diehard workers who chose to contest as independent candidates.
On the other hand, the PPP failed to show any presence in the Town. Ch Javed Iqbal and Abdur Rasheed Khan and Hafiz Adil Abbasi were elected as Chairmen and ViceChairmen of the PML-N in UC 26 (Akram Park) and UC 53 (Karim Park) falls in Shalimar area respectively.