Contesting Sambrial by-elections, PTI condemns Election Commission of Pakistan's actions
Going Off the Rails: PTI Slams ECP for Inaction During PP-52 By-Election
Sialkot, Pakistan - The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Fakhir Nishat Ghumman, an independent candidate supported by the party, has lashed out at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for reportedly turning a blind eye to blatant election irregularities during the by-election in the PP-52 constituency of Sialkot (Sambrial).
Addressing media, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram questioned the continued tenure of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, citing his term's expiration several months ago. Akram pointed fingers at the ECP for failing to intervene amid reports of hooliganism, police highhandedness, and fraudulent voting.
Akram claimed that PTI agents were forcibly removed from polling stations, notably station number 37, under the watch of the police. He also alleged that PML-N supporters had breached polling stations, and their actions were met with little to no resistance from the authorities. Furthermore, he expressed concern about barriers set up outside the Returning Officer's office, casting doubt on transparency.
The PTI has highlighted its strong standings in the constituency, citing its victory in the 8 February 2024 general election. Despite the reported disruptions, Akram asserted that voter turnout remained vigorous, with the public undeterred by threats. However, he lamented that their mandate was allegedly hijacked once again.
In addition, the PTI bemoaned the ineffectiveness of the ECP's voter helplines, accusing them of being unresponsive. Akram alleged that the Punjab police have become complicit in the lawlessness, rather than upholding the law. He argued that the PTI had already secured victory in Sambrial but was undermined by the day's events.
As tensions build around the controversy, the ECP has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations. With voter trust in the electoral process at stake, the commission faces mounting pressure to act.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
- The PTI, amid allegations of election irregularities during the PP-52 by-election, has criticized the ECP for their policy and legislation concerning war-and-conflicts within the context of elections, as they failed to intervene amid reports of hooliganism, police highhandedness, and fraudulent voting.
- In the midst of general news regarding the PP-52 by-election, the PTI has raised concerns about crime and justice, accusing the Punjab police of being complicit in the lawlessness and unresponsiveness of the ECP's voter helplines.
- As the index of political discourse in Pakistan continues to evolve, the PTI, in the aftermath of the PP-52 by-election, has called for a reevaluation of the ECP's efficiency and integrity, given their allegedly lax approach to elections and alleged bias towards certain political parties.
