QUETTA: Rejecting the election results in Balochistan, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman Meh­mood Khan Achakzai has demanded investigation into allegations of rigging in 12 polling stations of the NA-263 constituency in Qila Abdullah, from where he contested the election.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, he alleged that “personnel of important intelligence agencies” had manipulated the general elections as they were present inside the polling stations. “We reject the election results in which certain institutions interfered and helped the candidates of their choice,” Mr Achakzai said.

He called for a probe into allegations of rigging in 12 polling stations of his constituency and said that if his claim was proved wrong he would accept the results. “And if my claim about rigging is proved, then I will take my own decision,” he warned.

Senator Usman Kakar, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, MPA-elect Nasarullah Zerey, Rauf Lala, Quetta Mayor Dr Kaleemullah and other senior PkMAP leaders were present on the occasion.

Mr Achakzai claimed that two officials of two prime intelligence agencies were present at each polling station and they were interfering in polling. “We have proof of their presence in polling stations,” he said, adding that his party could not accept the results of such elections which were massively rigged. He said the PkMAP would not come under pressure and would fight for the rights of people.

He said the Election Commission of Pakistan had completely failed in conducting free and fair elections in the country. “We had directly informed the ECP secretary about open rigging in elections, but no one was able to address our concerns or take action against the people involved in rigging.”

In reply to a question about the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), the PkMAP chairman said: “From the very first day, we all know that intelligence agencies were behind the launching of BAP, and the same players were involved in ousting an elected government in Balochistan in January this year.”

He said he would visit Adiala jail to meet former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter because “we are close friends”.

When asked if he would accept Imran Khan as prime minister, Mr Achakzai said when he had rejected the elections, how could he accept the PTI chairman as prime minister?

Responding to another question, he said relations with Afghanistan could not be normalised until interference was stopped in that country. “We have to stop interference in Afg­hanistan and let them work for the development of their country,” he said, adding that it was in the interest of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2018