ISLAMABAD: With tension between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) running high in the wake of the Judicial Commission’s report, by-election for a provincial assembly seat (PP-100) in Gujranwala is set to be held on Sunday (today).

Polling will be held two days after a clash between workers of the two parties left at least 10 people injured.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had taken notice of the violation of the code of conduct and directed the returning officer to issue notices to the two parties and take action against them. Similarly, the provincial government had been directed to ensure law and order.

Gujranwala for years is known as a stronghold of PML-N and it’s where PAT’s caravan coming from Lahore to stage the sit-in in Islamabad had been attacked.

Informed sources told Dawn that the Returning Officer’s report is expected to be received shortly and placed before the commission for a decision, while investigations were under way.

The district returning officer concerned informed the ECP that several people had been arrested and five FIRs against various persons registered.

The seat fell vacant following the murder of Rana Shamshad Ahmad of PML-N. In 2013 elections the PML-N candidate emerged victorious, securing 54,518 votes and beating Yasir Arafat Ramay of the PTI who bagged 14,618 votes.

For the by-poll, the PML-N has awarded ticket to Rana Akhtar Ali Khan, brother of the late MPA Shamshad Ali Khan while Chaudhry Ihsan Ullah Virk is the PTI’s candidate.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2015

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