PML-N accuses PPP of committing pre-poll rigging in Karachi

Karachi-based leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of taking unlawful steps that are tantamount to committing pre-poll rigging in the city ahead of the February 8 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, PML-N leaders Nihal Hashmi and Qadir Bux Kalmati claimed that popular support is no longer available to the PPP in the province because of the sheer bad governance during their regime that continued for 15 consecutive years.

Kalmati, who is the PML-N’s candidate for the National Assembly constituency NA-229 in District Malir, alleged that using their political influence, the PPP has still been indulging in their campaign of political victimisation against their opponents in the province.

He claimed that the location of two polling stations in the constituency that he is contesting has been changed. He also claimed that the PPP would use their influence to post their favourite officials as presiding officers at the polling stations in the city.

He complained that the electricity supply to his native village has been disconnected allegedly as part of the same victimisation campaign being carried out at the behest of the PPP.

He also complained that his political associates and supporters are being “threatened”. He alleged that the PPP has become upset after sensing they are no longer the popular party in the province.

He appealed to the Election Commission of Pakistan to take cognisance of the situation, dismiss the polling officials having the backing of the PPP, and appoint politically neutral and upright officers in their place to ensure free and fair polls in the city.

Speaking on the occasion, Hashmi claimed that the development funds available to the municipal agencies are being used to boost the PPP’s election campaign in the city.