Bahawalnagar

The polling staff was accused of partiality at different polling stations while clashes have also been reported during polling for the local bodies elections in Bahawalnagar.
Though the turnout remained high as compared to the general elections 2013, some candidates raised finger at the alleged “favour” extended to the ruling party candidates.
In Union Council 56, at polling station No-22 set up at Govt Boys School Chak Berwala, the presiding officer allegedly extended maximum support to the ruling party candidate Riaz Chishti.
Independent candidate Ghulam Rasool Sheikh alleged that the officer cast several votes in favour of the ruling party candidate Riaz Chishti.
He also claimed that his voters returned hopelessly as the polling staff did not allow them to cast their votes on different pretext.
Meanwhile a mediaman faced the wrath of the ruling party candidate’s supporter in Ward No-42, when he spotted assistant presiding officer casting several votes in favour of ruling party candidate.
When the PTI supporters protested against the alleged malpractice and a private TV channel reporter bid to cover the incident, the ruling party candidate supporters snatched camera from him and subjected him to severe torture.
In Faisal Colony Ward No-5, supporters of the independent and ruling party candidates clashed with each other. Due to the worsening law and order situation, the law enforcement agencies were called in which later brought the situation under control.