RO faints as PTI, PMLN workers clash in Mansehra

MANSEHRA: Amidst chaos and clashes between workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), the returning officer overseeing the tally of votes in forms 45 for PK-40 fell unconscious and was rushed to a health facility on Saturday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the police, stationed on roads and near Postgraduate Degree College, resorted to firing teargas shells to disperse the PTI and PMLN workers who clashed and hurled stones at each other.

The activists attempted to break through the police cordon to observe the ongoing tally of voters recorded on forms 45 issued to polling agents by presiding officers.

The returning officer initially issued form 47, declaring PMLN contender Sardar Shahjehan Yousuf as the winner with a slim margin of approximately 350 votes. However, after a challenge from PTI contestant Abdul Shakoor Khan, the announcement was withheld. Subsequently, the returning officer fainted and was transferred to King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, where his condition was reported to be stable.

Amidst the commotion, workers from both parties brandished batons, marched along Karakoram Highway, and engaged in stone pelting.

According to form 47 issued by the returning officer, PK-40 indicated that PTI-backed contender Abdul Shakoor secured 43,680 votes, while PMLN aspirant Sardar Shahjehan Yusuf was leading with 44,012 votes.