FAISALABAD, Oct 16: Massive rigging was committed by PML-Q candidates in the general election.

This was alleged by PPP’s defeated candidates for NA-79, PP-59 and 60 while speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday.

PPP’s losing candidates Rana Farooq, Tahir Chaudhry and Abdul Basit along with party’s Punjab secretary-general Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan alleged that thousands of ballot papers were stuffed in ballot boxes after closing of the polling. They claimed having documentary proofs in this regard.

They also provided some photographs to the mediamen in which various presiding officers and the polling staff were seen stamping ballot papers.

Rana Farooq claimed that a week before the election schedule, he was summoned by the governor and compelled to join the PML-Q.

He further alleged that on the direction of the governor, district Nazim Zahid Nazir visited a number of villages, including Chaks 220, 228, 482, 196, 192 and 470, and announced development works only to influence the voters.

He said documentary evidences were produced before the area returning officer for recounting of ballots, but he rejected the application without hearing the complainants.

He said the PPP losing candidates would file an application before the Election Commission for recounting of ballots.