ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has accused the government of orchestrating rigging in the recent PP-52 by-election held in Sialkot’s Sambrial area. PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas strongly condemned the alleged irregularities and vowed that the party will not let the public mandate be stolen again.
Claims of Rigging and Violence at Polling Stations
Sheikh Waqas claimed that PTI had originally won the PP-52 seat during the February 8 general elections but the result was unfairly taken away. He alleged that despite large voter turnout this time as well, supporters of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) disrupted the process by force and intimidation. Waqas said PTI workers were assaulted and forcibly removed from polling stations, which led to chaos during the voting.
He also accused local police of complicity, alleging that they allowed votes to be stamped under pressure and intimidation inside polling booths. The PTI leader questioned why the Chief Election Commissioner had remained silent and demanded immediate measures to ensure free and fair elections.
PTI’s Call for Action and Transparency
PTI has urged election authorities to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take necessary steps to restore public confidence in the electoral process. The party’s leadership insists that any attempt to manipulate the vote will be met with strong resistance and protests to protect the will of the people.
