Raza Naqvi Attock
In a dramatic turn of events, members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, led by Ms. Anbasat Tahir Sadiq, daughter of Major (Rtd) Tahir Sadiq, gathered in front of the District Returning Office in Attock to vehemently protest against alleged election irregularities. The demonstration took a violent turn as police officers, reportedly supported by the controversial Member of National Assembly (MNA) Sheikh Aftab Ahmad of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), resorted to baton charging PTI workers and firing tear gas shells, resulting in numerous injuries.
The incident unfolded as the PTI members accused Sheikh Aftab Ahmad of manipulating the election results in National Assembly Constituency NA-49 in Attock. Major Tahir Sadiq, the PTI candidate, claimed a lead of more than 72 thousand votes over Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, according to Form 45. However, the situation took a drastic turn, with the alleged attack turning Major Tahir Sadiq’s victory into a defeat margin of 10 thousand votes.
Protests were triggered by Ms. Anbasat Tahir Sadiq, who led hundreds of PTI members in a motorcycle rally from Major Tahir Sadiq’s residence to Kachhari Chowk, reaching the District Returning Officer Rao Atif Raza. The road leading to the office of Returning Officer Circle NA-49 was sealed by a heavy contingent of Attock Police on the instructions of Returning Officer Ashfaq Ahmed Silhari.
Efforts by PTI members, including Ms. Anbasat Tahir Sadiq, to approach the Returning Officer were met with resistance, and they were denied access to the office. This prompted the protesters to raise slogans against the administration, leading to the deployment of tear gas shells by the police. The situation escalated as police subsequently carried out a forceful baton charge against the PTI workers. Addressing the protesters earlier, Ms. Anbasat Tahir Sadiq vowed to stand with the PTI members, insisting that Sheikh Aftab should concede defeat and honorably relinquish his claimed victory. She warned that failing to do so would leave them with no choice but to consider the matter a betrayal of conscience.
As tensions continue to mount in Attock, the incident raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged election rigging. Authorities are urged to address the grievances of the protesting PTI members and ensure a fair and transparent resolution to the ongoing dispute.
