PS-114 ‘controversy’: Ballot box found in car in Karachi’s Mehmoodabad

KARACHI: A ballot box was discovered in a private car in the city’s Mehmoodabad area on Wednesday, prompting runner-up Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to reiterate claims that the PS-114 by-election was ‘rigged’.

The ballot box in question was purchased from a scrap-seller for Rs 60 three years ago, the owner of the box, a lady, said in a statement to the police.

The box was used to store household items, she added.

An MQM spokesperson, in light of the latest development, reiterated the party’s claim that the July 9 by-election on a provincial assembly seat (PS-114) was “rigged”.

PPP wins PS-114 Karachi by-polls

PPP's Saeed Ghani bagged 23,840 votes, followed by MQM-P's Kamran Tessori with 18,106 votes

The by-election was won by Pakistan Peoples Party’s Saeed Ghani, who bagged 23,840 votes, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 92 polling stations. Ghani was followed by MQM-Pakistan's Kamran Tessori, who secured 18,106 votes.

The MQM has challenged Saeed Ghani’s victory on the provincial assembly seat (PS-114) in Karachi’s Mehmoodabad area before the Election Commission of Pakistan, asking the ECP to order recounting of the votes of the entire constituency.

The MQM has also requested the commission to order the National Database and Registration Authority to verify thumb impressions of all votes.