February 23, 2008	Saturday	Safar 15, 1429

PESHAWAR, Feb 22: Activists of Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), a banned religious outfit, on Friday staged a protest demonstration outside the Peshawar Press Club to protest against alleged fraud by the returning officer in the counting of the votes.

The protesters demanded of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to declare Mohammad Ibrahim Qasimi as winner from PF-4, Peshawar-IV, as he had a lead of over 800 votes against his rival candidates till midnight on Feb 18.

Speaking at the demonstration, Ismail Darvesh, a local SSP leader alleged that in connivance with Syed Aqil Shah, an Awami National Party (ANP) nominee for PF-4, the concerned returning officer had tempered with the election results at midnight and declared him (Aqil Shah) as MPA-elect from the area.

He said it was a state-sponsored move, wherein results had been changed and winners declared as runners in the race.

He asked the ECP to declare Ibrahim Qasmi as successful candidate because he had polled more votes than Aqil Shah.

Mr Qasmi, who is a former MPA from the same constituency, was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, a large number of SSP workers, holding placards and banners inscribed with the slogans against the ECP and concerned returning officer, took out a big protest rally which culminated into a demonstration outside the Peshawar Press Club.

The speakers accused the ECP of becoming a party against the will of the people.

They said they would never allow the government to extend its support to the ‘anti-religious groups’ in the province.

The backing of a particular political party and use of unfair means by the government officials in PF-4 had exposed the impartiality of the government, they alleged.

The SSP activists kept chanting slogans against the ECP and the government for an hour outside the press club. They also staged a sit-in and blocked the Sher Shah Soori Road for all kind of traffic.

A heavy contingent of the police was present on the occasion to ward off any untoward incident.