FAISALABAD: Election proceedings in NA-103 and PP-103 were stopped on Saturday after an independent candidate running for both the constituencies committed suicide here.

Mirza Mohammad Ahmed, an independent candidate for NA-103 and PP-103, allegedly committed suicide over facing opposition from his two sons, their wives and grandsons to his campaign.

Following the candidate’s death, the returning officers concerned immediately stopped election proceedings related to both the constituencies till further directions from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Poll proceedings stopped in NA-103, PP-103

In a video message found in mobile phone of the deceased, Mirza Ahmad is seen holding a gun and complaining of opposition to his campaign by his family members.

“Suicide is forbidden, but God will forgive me,” he says in the video message, before accusing his sons, their wives and his grandsons of quarrelling with him for contesting election.

He also accused the family members of asking the voters in the constituencies not to vote for him.

“Now I am contesting for the national and provincial assembly [seats] and they [the family members] are visiting the people, asking them not to vote for me.”

He said nobody could succeed in defeating him, “however, I am going to commit suicide because of them [the family members].”

In the message, Mirza Ahmad also alleged that two of his rival candidates had ‘purchased’ the loyalties of his sons which created problems for him.

The deceased was contesting on the pickup van election symbol.

In NA-103, the PML-N had fielded Ali Gohar Baloch, while Saadullah and Shahadat Baloch were the candidates of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI ) and the PPP, respectively.

Similarly, for PP-103, the PML-N gave ticket to Jaffar Ali Hocha, PTI fielded Shamsher Haider Wattoo and Rai Anwar Kharal had the PPP ticket.

Police said the cause of Mirza Ahmad’s death would be determined in the light of the autopsy report.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2018