Islamabad, June 1, 2025: The by-election in Punjab’s PP-52 Sambrial constituency has sparked fresh political controversy, as opposition parties accused the ruling party of orchestrating rigging and voter intimidation, while the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) firmly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and unsupported by evidence.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned what he described as state-backed rigging during Sunday’s vote. He claimed that PTI had already secured victory in the February 8 general elections for the same seat, but the result was “hijacked.”
“Once again, the people of Sambrial came out in large numbers, but PML-N-backed thugs created chaos and showed their true face,” Waqas alleged. He claimed that PTI polling agents were forcibly removed, physically assaulted, and barred from performing their duties. He also accused the police of facilitating electoral manipulation, stating that votes were being stamped inside polling booths under coercion.
Waqas also criticized the Chief Election Commissioner for what he called “a concerning silence,” demanding accountability and immediate action to ensure electoral transparency.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza also raised concerns about the conduct of the election. He alleged that PML-N workers harassed voters and reported serious violations at the Matran Wali polling station. However, Murtaza expressed optimism that the PPP was regaining public support in Punjab.
In response, the ECP categorically rejected the rigging accusations. In an official statement, the Punjab Election Commissioner said the claims lacked credible evidence, and urged political parties to file formal complaints with verifiable proof if they had any.
He clarified that polling throughout the constituency was conducted peacefully, and rumors about polling stations being shut down by the administration were “completely false.” He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections, adding that all complaints would be addressed on merit and in accordance with the law.
As political tensions rise over the by-election results, the spotlight is once again on Pakistan’s electoral system and the credibility of institutions tasked with safeguarding democratic processes.
