KHAIRPUR: Electoral process turns into deadly clashes as two political groups started armed clashes in Khairpur during polling in Khairpur district, Sindh province.
At least 11 persons have lost their lives so far and more than two dozens were seriously wounded in the incident took place in UC Daraza Sharif of the district.
The armed clash occurred between workers of Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) and ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
According to reports, police contingents were avoiding to enter in the rural area while Rangers personnel called up on the spot to bring condition under control.
Fire exchange stopped between both groups as security officials rushed at the site. Sources said that the casualties and damages could increase following usage of heavy artillery between both groups.
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of the violent incident and summoned report by the concerned officials. Moreover, ECP received overall 143 complaints from 20 districts of both province including 52 in Punjab and 91 in Sindh during the LG polls.
Earlier, the Daily Jasarat reported yesterday that violent clashes are expected during polling process in different tehsils of Khairpur district including Gambat, Thari Mir Wah, Faiz Ganj which are declared most sensitive. Gambat tehsil is considered as stronghold of provincial minister Manzoor Wussan who is also present in the area during the days.
Authorities have established overall 796 polling stations for 549 wards across the district while more than half (431) were declared sensitive. Overall 2,852 candidates are contesting the LG election and total registered voters are 930,324 including 510,942 male and 419,382 female voters. In order to control law and order situation, 5,000 police officials and 1,000 Rangers personnel excluding military troops will perform security duties during the polls.
