LAHORE: Following violence between PTI and PML-N during the by-election for PP-167 constituency a day earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday asked the police to arrest the suspects involved in the incident. ,
Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, taking cognizance of the violence, directed the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police to ensure that the suspects are arrested and a transparent investigation is conducted into the matter. He directed the IG to submit the report to the ECP.
“The IG and administration of Punjab must deal with gun culture and those involved in violence,” he said.
According to the ECP spokesperson, the District Surveillance Officer has directed the Police Officer (CCPO) of the capital city of Lahore to prepare the investigation report immediately.
“Those involved will be punished as per law and political affiliation of any person will not be taken into account,” the district surveillance officer said.
Meanwhile, the police said that on the complaint of Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Muhammad Amin, a case of violence has also been registered at Jauhar Town police station in Lahore.
According to the FIR, as per the information received by the police, the attackers fled from the spot after firing. It further said that the police have recovered 12 bullet shells from the spot and further investigation is on.
‘PTI workers fired at me’
In a press conference, PML-N candidate Nazir Ahmed Chauhan claimed that PTI candidate Shabbir Gurjar and his associates stopped his car and attacked him near Allah Hu Chowk.
“Gujjar’s brother Khalid fired directly at me but I escaped,” he alleged. He said his car was damaged by bullets. He also requested the Punjab Police to provide him security.
The PML-N member claimed that PTI was aware that his party had won elections from this constituency even before.
“PTI leaders know that they will lose and that’s why they are using such tactics. They planned to attack me and brought their goons.
PML-N’s Shaista Parvez condemned the incident and urged the concerned institutions to take action against the suspects and control the matter.
He said the party would register a case against the PTI workers involved in it.
‘PML-NK Chauhan, police attacked PTI office’
However, at a press conference, former Energy Minister Hammad Azhar alleged that Chouhan along with other PML-N members and police attacked the PTI candidate’s office.
Azhar further said that armed men ransacked the office and damaged it. “When a large number of workers reached the office, Nazir Chauhan fled the spot,” he said.
The former power minister also said that he has video of the incident which will be shared on social media soon.
Clashes between PTI, PML-N workers
Clashes broke out between PML-N and PTI workers in Lahore’s PP-167 constituency on Saturday, after which both sides leveled allegations and counter allegations against each other.
Shabbir accused Chouhan of attacking the party office with armed men and police.
“The PML-N leader along with Dolphin Force and police personnel entered the office at 2 am to unload the Panaflex,” he alleged.
He also said that the armed men opened fire, injuring his nephew, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital. Shabbir also accused the police of refusing to register an FIR.
Chouhan, on the other hand, alleged that PTI workers opened fire on him on his way home after campaigning. He claimed that he was attacked by Gurjar brothers and their associates.