Gilgit tense amid election related protests

PT Report

Gilgit, November 14: Hundreds of supporters of Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman, PMLN candidate from LA – 1, Gilgit, thronged the airport road in Gilgit city, protesting against alleged rigging in the GBLA elections concluded recently. They chanted slogans against the administration and government for not transparent election in the region.

The protesters, including women, blocked the main road of Gilgit with stones and did not allow any traffic. Business in the city came to a stand still, while the shops were closed early afternoon, due to lack of customers.

Observers believe that the decision of MQM’s Faqeer Shah to withdraw at the eleventh hour from the election race in LA – 1, enabled Didar Ali (Independent), backed by Anjuman-e-Imamia Gilgit, to win the elections, defeating both hot favorites, Jameel Ahmed of PPP and Hafeez of PML (N).

In another related protest supporters of MQM’s Captain (r) Hadi Hussain marched towards Gilgit city, protesting against ‘rigging’ in the election by the PPP authorities. They also raised slogans against deputy commissioner of Gilgit district for alleged negligence in duties during the polls.

MQM has also demanded re – election in LA – 3, where they claim to be the leading voter takers. It is being said that the government is trying to ensure that PPP candidate, ex member of the NALA, Aftab Haider, is declared winner in this constituency. Also contesting from this ward was GBDA’s Afsar Jan, brother of Ghazi Anwer Shaheed of the Karakuram National Movement, among others.

The procession was stopped by a heavy contingent of law enforcing agencies, including Army, Police and Pakistan rangers in front of the Radio Pakistan building, in Jutial locality of Gilgit city.

According to information the processions had been organized despite of a ban on public gatherings in the city under section 144.