Disruptions mar polling across Pakistan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Polling at PK-113 constituency in Dera Ismail Khan came to a halt on Thursday after allegations of bias surfaced against the presiding officer (PO), accused of favouring a candidate from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan-Fazl (JUI-F).

The polling station was closed after several independent candidates demanded immediate removal of the PO.

Similarly, a clash in a polling station in N-198 Ghotki resulted in at least one person sustaining injuries. Police were called to the scene to help restore order.

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Meanwhile in NA-22 Swabi, reports emerged of women being blocked from voting. According to sources, the Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa promptly took notice of the situation.

Elsewhere, clashes erupted between workers of opposing political factions in the NA-220 Hyderabad constituency, resulting in at least five people sustaining injuries.

As per sources, the polling station staff vacated the premises amidst the fighting. The local police and rangers reached the scene to restore order.