ECP summons PTI, PML-N candidates after clash in Lahore

LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice and ordered an enquiry into a clash between PTI and PML-N workers at an election office in Lahore’s PP-167 constituency.

District Monitoring Officer Nabeel Ahmed has issued a notice to candidates of both parties – Shabbir Gujjar of the PTI and Nazir Ahmed Chohan of the PML-N – over the violation of elections bylaws and summoned to appear on June 20.

The official has also sent written instructions to the Lahore Capital City Police Officer to prepare the inquiry report immediately. He added that those involved shall be punished in accordance with the law and no political affiliation will be taken into consideration.

He pointed out that an “incident of firing/clash” had occurred near the Allahu Chowk between and initial inquiry reports suggested that there had been injuries.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja also took notice of the violence and directed the Inspector General (IG) Punjab to ensure that suspects are arrested and conduct a transparent inquiry into the matter.

He directed the IG to submit the report to the ECP and deal with those involved in gun culture and violence and ensure the implementation of the electoral code of conduct.

Police said that a case of violence has also been registered in the Johar Town police station on the complaint of Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Muhammad Amin.

PTI – PML-N clash

The PTI had claimed that their election office in Lahore’s PP-167 constituency was attacked by party dissident Nazir Ahmed Chohan on Saturday night.

PTI leader Hammad Azhar alleged that Chohan attacked the party’s election office and injured dozens of workers. He said a shot was also fired at the head of the party candidate’s nephew.

Meanwhile, Chohan claimed that more than 100 PTI workers attacked him with sticks and weapons late Saturday night.

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Chohan said he was on his way back home late at night when some vehicles blocked his way near the Allah Hoo Chowk. He said PTI candidate Shabbir Gujjar and his accomplices misbehaved and opened fire at his car.

He further claimed that PTI knew PML-N would win from the PP-167 constituency and are using such tactics Chohan called on the Punjab police, security agencies and top leadership of the province to provide him security.

ECP takes notice

The ECP issued eventually issued notices to Chohan and Shabbir Gujjar for violating the code of conduct. It said that the incitement or resorting to violence in pre-poll campaign and polling hours was strictly prohibited by candidates and their supporters.

The notice continued, “there will be a complete ban on carriage and display of all kinds of weapons and fire arms in public meetings and processions as well as on the polling day and until 24 hours after the consolidation of official results by the returning officers”.

“Violations will be treated as an illegal practise,” it added while directing them both Chohan and Gujjar to appear before the district monitoring officer either in person or through a counsel at 12pm on June 20.