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ECP Declares Anjum Aqeel Eligible
ECP Declares Anjum Aqeel Eligible
On Aug 13th the ECP allowed PML-N candidate Anjum Aqeel to contest the By-Elections. The returning officer rejected Aqeel’s plea to restore his nomination papers on July 30th. ECP stated they would allow Aqeel to contest if no other candidates objected; only Asad Umar of PTI had objections.Our field monitor in Isb confirmed this report -
PML-N Candidate Threatens Policeman
Abuse of Power
On Aug 13th, PML-N candidate Ashraf Gujjar threatened the Margalla Police Station House Officer with dire consequences if he arrested residents of a katchi abadi in G-8. The residents were allegedly involved in electricity and gas thefts. Our field monitor in Isb was unable to confirm this report. -
Two Contestants Claim PML-N Support for NA-48
Two PML-N Candidates in NA-48?
Anjum Aqeel and Ashraf Gujjar both claimed to be the party’s chosen candidate. On Aug 12th PML-N Sec.General Iqbal Jhagra said Gujjar was the candidate. On Aug 14th Aqeel said the party had chosen him during a recent meeting. PMLN didn't issue any statements affirming or denying Aqeel’s claims.Our field monitor in Isb verified this report -
Peaceful polls: PTI demands army deployment for August 22 by-polls
PTI Demands Army Presence During By-PollsAt a press conference on Aug 15th party leaders demanded that the ECP deploy armed forces at polling stations and that a public holiday be declared on the 22nd. A PTI lawmaker said an initial request for deployment was made in July but despite the lack of progress his party would not boycott the elections. News verified via live broadcast. -
By-Polls: Ballot papers dispatched by ECP
Ballot Papers Dispatched The ECP began dispatching ballot papers to all constituencies. Candidates are ordered to cease campaigning on midnight between Aug 20 and Aug 21. Polling is set to be held between 8 am and 5 pm. This report was verified via official ECP notifications. -
By-election preparation: Section 144 imposed in Hangu
Section 144 Imposed in HanguThe district government of Hangu imposed Section 144, banning pillion riding, display of weapons and aerial firing ahead of by-elections. DC Syed Ahmad Jan issued a statement saying Section 144 will be imposed in the city till Aug 25. Violaters could find themselves imprisoned for a minimum of 6 months. Our field monitor in Hangu was unable to verify this report. -
By-Elections 2013: Acting CEC calls meeting
Acting CEC Calls MeetingThe acting CEC, Justice Tassaduq Hussain called a meeting on Aug 18th to review the arrangements for the by-polls. He said that the ECP would make decisions about the deployment of armed forces and the potential of delaying elections in certain constituencies on Monday. This report was verified by watching the live broadcast. -
August 22 by-polls: Imran campaigns for NA-1
Imran Campaigns for NA-1 Imran Khan held a rally on 18th August at Tamash Khan Football Ground in Shahi Bagh, Peshawar. He urged voters to elect Gul Bacha and spoke about how his party had laid the groundwork for providing health facilities and improving existing ones and implementing a standardized education system.
Our field monitor in NA-1, Peshawar confirmed this report. -
Ensuring security: ECP calls up army troops for Karachi by-polls
ECP Calls Up Army Troops for Karachi Bypolls
ECP officials said army would be deployed outside polling stations in Karachi. JI and ANP decided not to contest elections in Karachi due to security concerns. They also argued that the General Elections had not been free-and-fair so it was unlikely that the By-Elections would be. Our field monitors in Karachi confirmed this report. -
By-elections 2013: PPP, MQM ready for face-off in Aug 22 by-polls
PPP, MQM ready for face-off in Karachi
In PS-103, North Nazimabad PPPP chose their youngest ever candidate, Faisal Sheikh. Conversely, MQM chose one of their most experienced workers, Abdul Rauf Siddiqui. PTI’s candidate choice sparked controversy, as he was not a local resident. The ECP plans to setup 88 polling stations. This report was confirmed inhouse using the ECP website. -
‘Of Jewish agents’: Imran, Fazl open new verbal sparring round
Maulana Fazl Calls Imran Khan a Jewish Agent
JUI-F chief accused Imran Khan of being a ‘Jewish agent’. He also asked his legal team to prepare a case for Imran Khan’s disqualification from parliament for violating the Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution. PTI filed a defamation suit against Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman. This report was verified by our field monitor in NA-25 DI Khan-cum-Tank. -
Pulling out: Two candidates withdraw from by-polls
Candidates Withdraw
Independent candidates Fayaz Ali Shah from NA-1, Peshawar and JUI-F candidate Mian Hussain Jalali from PK-42, Hangu withdrew their candidacy. Samad Mursaleen of PTI addressed a news conference at PPC saying he would not give up his party membership or withdraw his candidacy. Our field monitors in NA1, Peshawar and PK-42, Hangu confirmed these reports -
By-polls in NA-25 postponed due to security concerns
By-polls postponed in NA-25
The ECP decided to postpone elections in NA-25 DI Khan during a meeting headed by the acting CEC Tassadiq Hussain Jilani. Security concerns were cited as the reason for the delay. Our field monitor in NA-25 DI Khan-Tank verified this report. -
Floods, security threats: ECP refuses to postpone by-polls
ECP Refuses to Postpone PollsThe ECP decided polling would take place in all constituencies on Aug 22 despite flooding and security concerns. PB-32, Jhal Magsi requested delays but was denied. The provincial chief secretary told the ECP that only 4 out of 60 polling stations were affected. Our field monitor in Jhal Magsi confirmed this report. -
NA-237 by-polls: Shirazis lose polling agent before elections
Chief Polling Agent Arrested in NA-237In NA-237, Thatta, PML-N’s chief polling agent Haneef Memon was arrested. He was apprehended by Karachi police in connection with a case from 2009. The arrest sparked protests throughout the city by PML-N supporters. Our field monitor in Thatta verified this report. -
Security Plan for NA-25 DI Khan-cum-Tank
Security Plan
On 19/8, Divisional Commissioner Musthaq Jadoon said that the Pakistan Army would assist the police during the by-polls by setting up security check points on all entry and exit points. He also highlighted other security measures such as imposing a curfew in Tank from 8am to 6pm.This report was verified by our field monitor in NA25 DI Khan-Tank. -
NA-48 by-polls: ECP declares 38 of 262 polling stations sensitive
NA-48: 38 Polling Stations Declared SensitiveIn NA-48, the ECP classified 3 polling stations as ‘highly sensitive’ and 35 as ‘very sensitive’. There are 282,850 eligible voters; 2000 police personnel will e deployed throughout the city across all polling stations. This report was verified via official ECP notifications. -
Imran Khan claims National Assembly is full of criminals
Imran Khan: NA full of criminalsAt a rally in Rawalpindi, Imran Khan claimed that the National Assembly was full of criminals. He also said that Pakistan’s problems did not exist because of a lack of resources. He encouraged people to vote for Gul Bacha in NA-1. Our field monitor was unable to verify this report. -
ANP Criticizes Imran Khan
ANP criticizes Imran Khan In his first public appearance since May’s elections, ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan severely criticized Imran Khan for failing to openly condemn terrorist acts and generally deviating from pre-election promises. Our field monitor in NA-1, Peshawar confirmed this report. -
Stringent measures: Security plan finalised for NA-1
Security Plan Finalised for NA-1
Based on an official ECP notification 3000 policemen will be deployed in the constituency. The army will be present to assist the police in case of an emergency. A total of 225 polling stations have been setup, there are 320,581 registered voters. This report was verified in house using the ECP official website -
By-Elections: No meddling in polls: PkMAP
Provincial Govt. Will Not InterfereParliamentary leader of PkMAP, Rahim Ziaratwal said that the provincial government would not interfere in the by-elections in any constituency, and any allegations by the opposition leaders were uncalled for. He added that Rs. 1 million each had been distributed in 10 flood affected districts. Our field monitors in Balochistan verified this report. -
Reservations: ‘Army presence essential at all polling stations’
Army Presence EssentialAt a rally in Islamabad, in support of Asad Umar, Imran Khan said the deployment of army personnel at all polling stations was essential as the polling staff had failed to prevent rigging during the general elections. He reiterated that his party would not tolerate rigging. Our field monitor was unable to verify this report. -
By-polls security: Army deployed in city’s three constituencies going to polls
Army Deployed in Karachi for By-Polls Army troops were deployed in all 3 constituencies in Karachi. The provincial government also imposed a ban on carrying arms from 21-23 August in all the constituencies in Sindh. This report was confirmed by our field monitors in Karachi. -
No cell phone inside polling booths: ECP
No Cellphones Inside Polling Booths
The ECP issued a notice that no cell phones be allowed inside the polling booths. The Presiding Officers were given first class magistrate powers from Aug 21-23. The ECP issued another notification that elections would be postponed in DI Khan due to security concerns. Reports were verified using the ECP official website and info from our field monitor in NA25 DI Khan. -
Popularity test for May 11 winners
Popularity Test for May 11 Winners
Based on an official ECP notification 3000 policemen will be deployed in the constituency. The army will be present to assist the police in case of an emergency. A total of 225 polling stations have been setup, there are 320,581 registered voters. This report was verified in house using official ECP notifications. -
PTI Leader, Polling Agent Shot Dead
PTI leader, Polling Agent ShotIn NA-5, Nowshera PTI leader Mumlikat Khan was murdered on Aug 21st. Gunmen opened fire on his vehicle near Jehangira Chowk. In Karachi, PTI polling agent Muzaffar Bangash was killed in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on Aug 21st. Our field monitors were able to verify the news from Nowshera but not from Karachi. -
ECP declares all stations as ‘sensitive’
ECP declares all stations as ‘sensitive’The ECP has declared all 1,1,84 polling stations across Sindh as ‘highly sensitive’. The provincial election commissioner said 7 armed personnel, 1 Ranger and 5 policemen would be deployed at the most sensitive polling stations. High-ranking army officials have been given magisterial powers. This report was verified via official ECP notifications. -
PTI, ANP clash in NA-1 amid volleying accusations
PTI and ANP Clash in Peshawar
Scuffles broke out between PTI and ANP workers on Election Day. Haroon Bilour was involved. Polling was temporarily stopped at a polling station over allegations of rigging. Voter turnout remained low. Our field monitor in NA-1 Peshawar verified this report. -
Pk-42: Blast outside polling station in Hangu
Blast Outside Polling Station in Hangu
A bomb was planted near a male polling station in the Sangairh area of PK-42 Hangu. The DPO Sajjad Khan said there was some damage to property but no one was injured. Our field monitor in PK-42 Hangu verified this report. -
Ban on women voters: Re-poll in Nowshera, Lakki ordered
Re-poll in Nowshera and Lakki Marwat Ordered
The ECP decided that they will re-poll two constituencies in KPK, NA-25 Nowshera and NA-27 Lakki Marwat. In NA-5, NA-27 and PK-27 Mardan local elders reached an understanding with local political leaders to bar women from voting. Our field monitors in Nowshera NA5, Lakki Marwat NA27 and Mardan PK27 confirmed this report. -
Aerial Firing: FIR filed against Ghulam Bilour
Aerial Firing: FIR filed against Ghulam Bilour An FIR was registered against ANP leader Ghulam Ahmad Bilour and his gunmen on charges of excessive aerial firing during victory celebrations. A police official said that the firing was taking place in a high security area near the Governer House. Our field monitor in Peshawar confirmed this report. -
By-election 2013: Smooth voting amid bouts of disorder
Smooth VotingNA-262 voting was temporarily disrupted due to a bomb scare. NA-235 Khuda Bux was killed following an incident of aerial firing. Polling suspended for over an hour. 40 PML-F workers arrested for displaying weapons. Minor scuffles broke out between parties in Karachi. NA-83 polling was briefly stopped following an altercation. Field monitors in the relevant constituencies verified -
Minor Clashes in PP-6
Minor ClashesIn Rawalpindi, PP-6 a fight broke out between PML-N and PTI party workers. The incident took place outside the Government Primary School polling station in Dhoke Gangal. Workers also fought with army personnel present. Our field monitor in Rawalpindi was unable to verify this report. -
By-Election '13: As army stands guard, voter turnout fails to impress
Low TurnoutAs a public holiday was not declared, voter turnout remained low throughout Sindh. Polling staff and voters were pleased with the army’s presence and the security they provided. In PS-103, PPP and PTI leaders complained that the ECP had failed to deploy army personnel at 20 polling stations. Our field monitors in Sindh verified these reports.
