ECP orders probe over Khan's rigging allegations

Published May 20, 2014
Cricketer-turned-politician and head of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Imran Khan leaves the Supreme Court after a case hearing in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug 28, 2013. —AP Photo
Cricketer-turned-politician and head of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Imran Khan leaves the Supreme Court after a case hearing in Islamabad, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug 28, 2013. —AP Photo

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission on Tuesday ordered investigation into Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan's allegations of electoral rigging in Sargodha's NA-68, a seat won by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the 2013 general elections.

Sources told DawnNews that the commission has demanded the voters list and record of vote counting after Khan's allegations of over 100 per cent votes polled at one of the polling stations in the constituency.

The PTI claims that at polling station number 246 of NA-68, where Prime Minister Sharif was declared winner, 540 per cent votes were cast on polling day.

The total registered voters at the polling station were 1,510, whereas 8,176 votes were polled, of which 7,829 went to Sharif, claims the party.

Following election results, Sharif vacated the NA-68 seat and retained NA-120 (Lahore).

Sardar Muhammad Shafqat Hayat Khan of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) later returned successful from the seat.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore earlier today, Khan said that he wanted electoral reforms within the ambit of the law, and that his party was in contact with other political parties over the matter.

However, Khan ruled out the possibility of a greater alliance of opposition parties in the current political circumstances.

The PTI chief also strongly opposed martial law, or any such extra-constitutional steps.

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...
Tribunals’ failure
Updated 19 Nov, 2024

Tribunals’ failure

With election tribunals having failed to fulfil their purpose, it isn't surprising that Pakistan has not been able to stabilise.
Balochistan MPC
19 Nov, 2024

Balochistan MPC

WHILE immediate threats to law and order must be confronted by security forces, the long-term solution to...
Firm tax measures
19 Nov, 2024

Firm tax measures

FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is ready to employ force to make everyone and every sector in Pakistan pay their...