Bypolls in Pakistan conclude, marred by violence and network shutdowns
Pakistan by-polls
Voting for 21 national and provincial seats in Pakistan came to a close on Sunday (Apr 21) amid the temporary suspension of cellular services in specific districts of Punjab and Balochistan provinces. The authorities claimed these measures were taken to safeguard the electoral process, as reported by Dawn on Sunday.
For how many seats were the bypolls held?
The bypolls covered five seats in the National Assembly, 12 seats in the Punjab Assembly, two seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and two seats in the Balochistan Assembly, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Were there any incidents of violence?
The bypolls did not go without incidents of violence and disruptions in network services across polling stations. In Sheikhupura's PP-139, the polling process was briefly halted due to a firing incident.
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In Lahore, at polling station number 171 (Lahore College), workers of the Pakistan Tehreeke-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) coalition clashed with those of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over setting up polling camps. Police intervened to resolve the dispute.
Political leaders' confrontations
Political leaders also reported confrontations. Shoaib Siddiqui from the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) mentioned a face-off in Union Council 184. Mian Shahzad Farooq of SIC claimed his party workers were being arrested in NA-119, and a polling agent was forced out of the returning officer's office when filing a complaint.
Extensive security measures
In Lahore, extensive security measures were in place, with 24 superintendents, 45 senior deputy police officers (SDPOs), and 168 inspectors, station house officers (SHOs), and investigation in-charges deployed. Additionally, 195 pickets were set up at entry and exit points, with security on high alert.
Cellular network shutdowns
The interior ministry had allowed the suspension of mobile internet services in 13 districts and tehsils in Punjab to maintain law and order. This move echoed similar shutdowns during the February 8 general elections. Additionally, access to social media platform X has been disrupted since Feb 17 following accusations of rigging by the former Rawalpindi commissioner against the chief election commissioner and chief justice of Pakistan.
(With inputs from agencies)
