KARACHI, Dec 6: The Pakistan Muslim League-Functional and the National People’s Party on Thursday alleged that ‘massive rigging’ had been carried out in Tuesday’s by-election on PS-21 in Naushahro Feroze by the ruling party and claimed to have submitted proof of irregularities to the provincial election commission.

Leaders of the PML-F Jam Madad Ali, Imtiaz Sheikh, Nusrat Seher Abbasi and Rafique Bhanban held a meeting with provincial election commissioner Sonu Khan Baloch and conveyed to him their complaints about the by-poll, which was won by the PPP candidate.

“We have conveyed to the election commission our serious concerns,” Imtiaz Sheikh told reporters after the meeting. “The concerns are not prompted by the loss we suffered, but it’s an alarm before the general election. If the party goes to such an extent in a by-poll, it would definitely have planned something bigger for the general election.”

He said his party had submitted proof of rigging to the Sindh election commission that included a number of documents, pictures and video footage.

“Another issue which we brought to the election commission’s notice is the role of Rangers during the by-poll,” he said. “The paramilitary force was entrusted with the task of transporting ballot boxes and other electoral material but it did not do so. It’s so unfortunate that even Rangers officials do not follow EC directives.”

The NPP’s leaders were also not convinced with the results and during the meeting with the provincial election commissioner, party leaders Naeem-ur-Rahman and Aqib Jatoi voiced their complaints.

“The provincial election commissioner has assured us that he will look into our complaints and take action in line with the defined laws. It should not be taken as an issue of one constituency or party as it should be the concern of every political and democratic party which wants to take part in the next general election,” said Mr Jatoi.