NAROWAL: A Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-backed candidate, who lost to PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal in NA-76, has filed an application with the Election Commission of Pakistan, alleging widespread rigging.

PTI-backed candidate retired Col Javed Safdar Kahlon from NA-76 (Narowal-II), has submitted a complaint to the ECP regarding alleged extensive rigging in the general election.

Barrister Adil Kahlon submitted the application on behalf of Javed Safdar Kahlon to the ECP.

In the application, the Narowal district returning officer/deputy commissioner, the returning officer/additional deputy commissioner, NA-76, the district police officer and the winning candidate from NA-76, Ahsan Iqbal, have been named as respondents.

Safdar Kahlon alleged that there was widespread rigging on election day. He said, according to Form 45, he held an advantage in NA-76.

He stated that when he went to the RO office for NA-76 to collect Form 47, all entrances, including the main gate, were sealed by the police.

He said when the RO for NA-76 issued Form 47 with the election results, the opposing candidate, Ahsan Iqbal, was declared the winner.

He said video and photo evidence of systematic rigging during the election would be submitted to the ECP.

Kahlon said the people had shown their trust in PTI and Imran Khan through their votes. He pledged to raise voice against election rigging and seek justice on every available platform.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2024