SAHIWAL: As the PML-N candidates have won both National Assembly seats and three of provincial assembly in Pakpattan district, at least three losing PTI nominees are alleging their results have been “stolen”.

The result of one provincial seat -- PP-196 -- was being still held by Returning Officer (RO)Muhammad Afzal and another seat, PP-195 has been won by an independent candidate, Imran Akram Jutt, in the district.

PML-N candidates Ahmed Raza Mankia and Rana Iradaat Hussain have won from NA-139 and NA-140, for the third and second time, respectively, by defeating PTI-backed independent candidates.Report said PP-193, PP-194 and PP-197 were won by Chaudhry Javed Ahmed, Mian Farooq Manika, and Sardar Mansib Ali Doger, respectively, on PML-N ticket. Farooq Manika is brother of Khawar Manika, the ex-husband of former premier Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi.

Dr Farukkh Javed of PML-N and Naeem Ibrahim of the PTI are contesting against each other from PP-196 (Arifwala city).On the other hand, PTI-backed independent candidates Rao Umer Hashim, Hayat Manika and Naeem Ibrahim are publicly alleging that their results were “stolen”, “manipulated” and “tempered” in favor of PML-N candidates from NA-139, PP -194 and PP-196.

Naeem Ibrahim, ex-MPA of the PTI had also staged a protest sit-in in front of the RO’s office, demanding official copy of Form-47 of the PP-196.

Both Rao Umer Hashim and Naeem Ibrahim, while addressing their supporters, categorically rejected the results and said they would remain loyal to Imran Khan and to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf. Naeem

Ibrahim’s case is different from the two other PTI nominees, as the result of PP-196 has yet to be declared officially. However, he is apprehending that the result had been changed.

Hashim told Dawn that they have Form-45 copies of each polling station of NA-139 and PP-196 and they will move all legal forums for their constitutional right.

Atta Muhammad Manika, veteran politician and father of Hayat Manika, said his son’s result was “stolen” and he would use all legal platforms to get their “right”.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2024