NA-75 Daska by-election: Two dead, 2 injured as PTI, PML-N workers clash

• Two persons dead, at least two injured in clashes between PML-N, PTI workers
• Both parties blame each other for the violence
• Large contingency of police, Rangers officials in NA-75 constituency to control the situation
• ECP rejects PML-N's demand to extend voting time
  

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SIALKOT: Two persons died and at least two others were injured as clashes broke out between PTI and PML-N workers in the city's NA-75 constituency on Friday.  

The firing incident occurred at the Gondka polling station which resulted in three persons getting injured initially, with two succumbing to their injuries on the way to the hospital. 

A heavy contingent of police officials and Rangers personnel arrived at the Gondla polling station to restore order there. PTI and PML-N workers had assembled outside the polling station where the firing incident took place, shouting slogans against one another. 

Out of 360 polling stations in the constituency, the voting process was suspended at 15 sensitive polling stations when the violence erupted. 

Two groups of people exchanging blows, armed with sticks in Daska can be seen in a video clips that have gone viral on social media. Police have yet to identify or arrest the suspects behind the firing.

The city's traffic situation worsened when the conflict broke out. The atmosphere outside the polling station where the firing took place remained tense. 

As per reports at the time, no law enforcement personnel could be seen outside the polling station and workers of the PTI and the PML-N came face-to-face, shouting slogans at each other as fear and panic spread in the area. 

PML-N calls on Punjab government to arrest Usman Dar over Daska firing incident

PML-N leader Azma Bokhari, on the other hand, called out former special assistant to the prime minister on youth affairs Usman Dar, describing him as the "mastermind" of the incident and calling on the Punjab government to arrest him. 

Bokhari was holding a press conference after the incident where she alleged that Dar had brought volunteers of the Tiger Force with him and indulged in hooliganism. 

Dr Shahbaz Gill blames PML-N worker for the violence

"According to sources, PML-N's thug Javed Butt murdered PTI worker Majid by firing at him and severely injured Sajid," tweeted Dr Shahbaz Gill. "The PML-N is full of goons such as Gullu Butt and Javed Butt.  These are criminals, politics is just a cover-up. Every drop of blood will be accounted for," he added.

PML-N 'goons' seized polling stations: Dr Firdous Awan

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan held a news conference during which she blamed the PML-N "goons" for entering polling stations forcibly and harassing PTI workers. 

Awan lashed out at the ECP, saying that it seemed as if the commission "had its eyes closed" today. "Those officers [of the ECP] who operated outside of the law today, we have our eyes on them," she warned. 

The PTI leader vowed that the provincial government will "neither leave the PTI nor its facilitators" for the Daska chaos.

PML-N, PTI hold each other responsible over NA-75 violence

Soon after news broke of the clash between workers of both political parties, the PML-N and the PTI leaderships held each other responsible for the violence. 

Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister on Information, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan held PML-N Punjab president Rana Sanaullah responsible for the clash, saying that PML-N was resorting to its "traditional thuggery" under Sanaullah's supervision.  

She alleged that PTI workers were being harassed at polling station by "private gunmen", calling on police to take action against the culprits. 

On the other hand, PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz lashed out at authorities and tweeted a video of the party's supporters breaking doors of a polling station down after they were allegedly made to wait outside for hours. 

"PMLN voters in Daska lose patience, protest & break down doors of a polling station after being made to wait for hours as polling time draws to an end. Sharam kero," she tweeted. 

PML-N demands ECP to take notice of firing incident

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb lashed out at the PTI, blaming the party for resorting to violence in the face of imminent defeat. 

The PML-N leader said that she would request the ECP to extend the voting time in the area and added that the party will demand the commission to hold an inquiry into the firing episode. 

Later, holding a press conference, Aurangzeb said that both PTI and the PML-N workers had been martyred in the incident. "Two people are dead and four persons are severely injured," she said, blaming the whole provincial government and the administration for being in cohorts with the culprits who had opened firing. 

"Where is the chief minister of Punjab? He says an FIR will be registered. You should be booked in the FIR," she lashed out. "This provincial government can't hold one by-election."

She continued her tirade against the chief minister, saying that he had failed in holding a by-election in Daska. "You have made the administration your personal servants," said Aurangzeb.  

The PML-N spokesperson showed a video of PTI workers allegedly firing in the constituency in front of police officers. "This firing was done in front of police officials," she shouted, holding up her cellphone for the reporters to see. 

Dar questions Rana Sanaullah's presence in constituency

Speaking to Geo News, PTI leader Usman Dar questioned Sanaullah's presence in the constituency, saying that it was a clear violation of the ECP's code of conduct. 

"We will register an FIR against Rana Sanaullah. He brought armed men with him and resorted to firing," he accused. "If these people thing NA-75 is their stronghold, what are PML-N MPAs and Maryam Safdar doing holding jalsas in the area?" he questioned. 

CM Buzdar takes notice of Daska firing incident

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of the Daska firing incident, tasking IG Punjab to send him a report on the matter. 

Buzdar ordered the culprits responsible for the firing to be brought to book. "Violation of the law will not be tolerated at any cost," he said. "Action should be taken against the persons regardless of their political affiliation."

This news story will be updated with more details as they come in. 

Chief election commissioner calls meeting on Feb 23

Following the incident, the chief election commissioner has called a meeting on February 23 to discuss the matter, a statement issued in this regard said. 

Per the statement, the chief election commissioner has also directed the Inspector General to take action against all those involved in the chaos, adding that a detailed reported related to the incident should be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by February 22, 2021.

Rana Sanaullah denies allegations of taking armed men to NA-75

Responding to PTI leader Usman Dar's allegation, Rana Sanaullah said that he went to NA-75's polling camp "in the presence of journalists," and denied that he went there with armed men.

"Two groups clashed and resorted to firing and at about 20 meters away from the polling station," he said, adding that he is "not afraid of being arrested."