KARACHI, May 14: An election cell set up in the Sindh High Court for coordination with returning officers on public complaints has so far received over 30 complaints pertaining to polling.

Official sources said that the cell also received various complaints over the phone that polling staff and polling material especially ballot boxes had not reached certain polling stations of Karachi, mainly in district south.

According to the sources, Muhammad Shahid Shafiq, the district returning officer of NA-250 constituency, filed a complaint with the election cell that a few culprits and activists of a political party had abducted the polling staff of 25 polling stations of NA-250.

He reported to the SHC election cell that he received complaints regarding threats given to the election staff by a political party.

He also reported that the he also received complaints that the election staff of 25 polling stations in NA-250 was also made hostage and tortured.

The DRO stated that the polling could not begin in time in many polling stations, as the polling staff and polling material did not reach the polling stations.

Another complainant, Dost Muhammad Rahimoon who contested NA-230, stated that the votes cast in over 15 polling stations were set on fire and the polls were rigged openly by his political opponents in Tharparkar.

He complained that the Election Commission of Pakistan had failed to hold free and fair elections in his constituency.

The sources said the complaints of rigging received by the election cell in the SHC also included those sent by several candidates of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

They said that all the complaints would be referred to the ECP for taking actions in this connection.

The sources said a comprehensive report regarding the complaints received by the election cell would also be placed before SHC Chief Justice Mushir Alam for his perusal.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.