PTI stages protests against ECP across country

On the call of its chief Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf workers held protests against the Election Commission of Pakistan in several cities Including Islamabad accusing it of displaying bias against the party in all matters, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Former interior minister Sheikh Rashid and former science and technology minister Shibli Faraz, Andaleeb Abbas and Nafeesa Khattak also participated in the protest outside the office of Pakistan Election Commission, Islamabad. 

The charged workers who thronged the ECP office raised vociferous slogans against the commission and the incumbent government with Sh Rashid drumming about holding early vote in a menacing tone waring bloodshed if their vote call was not heeded. 

The PTI workers raised slogans: ‘Imported Government Na Manzoor’ (imported government is not acceptable); ‘Sarkari Umrah aur Janibdar Election Commission Na Manzoor’ (Umrah at public expense and biased election commission are not acceptable). 

The capital city police stopped the rally from entering the ECP office and the PTI workers started retreating from NADRA office as a large police contingent was deployed all along the roads leading to the ECP office.

The Capital City administration took strict security measures around the PM and ECP offices as water gun tankers were placed there to deal with any untoward situation. 

In several cities including Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Faisalabad, the PTI workers staged demonstrations against the biased attitude of the ECP demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja.

Strict security measures were also taken in Lahore. 

For the security of District Election Commission Office, Lahore, the MAO College Road was closed for all kind of traffic. Police cordoned off an area measuring 200 meter around the ECP office. The entire area was sealed by placing barriers and barbed wire. 

A large contingent of police was deputed at the entry and exit points of the barriers. The police force from concerned police stations and officials of riot police were deputed at these points. 

The traffic was diverted to Riwaz Garden. The commuters were facing immense difficulties due to closure of roads. 

However, in Karachi, the PTI was failed to put up a sizeable protest show.

Talking to media outside the ECP office, Sh Rashid said that the PTI had no quarrel with anyone. 

“If the government wants to save the country from civil war, it should announce election before May 30,” he added. 

He said that before getting reins of power, then opposition used to press the PTI government for early election. But when we agreed for snap polls, they are running now, he maintained. 

He said everybody knew who cobbled together these 18 political parties. 

“If the whole establishment and all these parties become united, they cannot stop the path of election,” Rashid held adding that people were standing by Imran Khan’s side. 

On Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Umrah tour, the ex-minister said that the thieves and money launderers were going to perform Umrah.

Talking on the occasion, Shibli Faraz lashed out at the current regime saying that this corrupt government was afflicted with the disease of insecurity. 

“We have never barred opposition from holding rallies but this government is afraid of demonstrations and is placing hurdles in holding protests,” he added. 

Reporters Mohsin-ul-Mulk, Dilshad Hussain