PML-N, PMML trade barbs over NA-77 by-election
LAHORE: The PML-N and the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) on Monday exchanged barbs over the NA-77 Gujranwala by-election with the ruling party questioning how a proscribed organisation could change its name and openly engage in political activities while the latter accused the Punjab government of snatching the seat through rigging. The PML-N won NA-77 , Gujranwala, and Punjab Assembly…
LAHORE — The PML-N and the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) engaged in heated exchanges over the NA-77 Gujranwala by-election on Monday. The PML-N triumphed in both NA-77 and Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203, Chichawatni, while the PMML demanded a recount and accused the Punjab government of rigging the elections. NA-77 witnessed a voter turnout of 15.6 per cent, with PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Virk winning 43,365 votes against PMML's Ibrahim Gujjar's 30,218 votes.
Similarly, in PP-203, PML-N candidate Muhammad Asad Hanif Jutt secured 41,912 votes compared to Muhammad Awais Mahmood's 25,106 votes. The PMML, described as an offshoot of Jamaatud Dawa, denied any association with terror-linked organisations. Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari, however, questioned the PMML's political credentials, citing videos showing workers allegedly casting bogus votes.
She urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of the situation. The PMML, in response, rejected the PML-N election results, alleging widespread rigging and violations of election norms, and demanded a recount in 50 polling stations.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
