Pakistan: By-polls marred by violence and suspension of cellular network
Published on: April 30, 2024.
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The Election Commission of Pakistan conducted by-elections for various seats in different assemblies across the country. This included two seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, five seats in the National Assembly, twelve seats in the Punjab Assembly, and two seats in the Balochistan Assembly. However, these elections were not without challenges.
Incidents of violence and disruptions to network services were reported at polling places throughout the country. In response, authorities in Punjab and Balochistan temporarily suspended cellphone service in specific districts to safeguard the electoral process. Despite these challenges, the by-elections proceeded.
One such incident occurred in Sheikhupura’s PP-139, where the polling process was momentarily halted due to a firing incident at Government Primary School Nizampura. However, the situation was brought under control and the polling process resumed.
There were also reports of disputes between workers of different political parties at a voting station in Lahore. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) alliance clashed with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over setting up polling camps. Police intervention helped resolve the dispute.
Additionally, arguments and confrontations were reported involving various political figures. Rumors of a confrontation in Union Council 184 were circulated by Shoaib Siddiqui of the Pakistan Party (IPP), while Mian Shahzad Farooq of SIC claimed that their polling agent was ejected from the returning officer’s office and party activists were being arrested in NA-119.
To ensure security during the by-elections, a significant number of police officers were stationed in Lahore. There were 168 inspectors, 45 senior deputy police officers (SDPOs), 24 superintendents, station house officers (SHOs), and investigation in-charges stationed throughout the city. In addition, 195 pickets were set up at entry and departure gates.
To maintain law and order, mobile internet services were temporarily suspended in 13 districts and tehsils in Punjab. This measure was taken to prevent any potential disturbances during the by-election period.
It is worth noting that internet and mobile services were also suspended during the general elections on February 8. Additionally, access to social networking site X has been blocked since February 17 due to allegations of election cheating involving the chief election commissioner and chief justice of Pakistan, as claimed by the former commissioner of Rawalpindi.
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