Misconducted by-polls may hit next election: Qureshi.

LAHORE -- 'If the Election Commission [of Pakistan] loses it credibility in the coming by-elections, the next general election will stand compromised in advance,' warns vice-chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the ECP was constitutionally bound to hold 'fair, free and credible elections, which it has failed to do so far.' Apart from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, all other parties have cast aspersions on the recent by-elections in Karachi, he added.

'Since Hamza Shehbaz's stay as chief minister depends on the coming by-polls, the PTI fears that the PML-N can go to any extent to rig them. The party also knows that Hamza would not win but would be given these seats. The PTI has got information that more than 14 district police officers (DPOs) and deputy commissioners (DCs) have already received warnings from the Punjab government that their future posting depends on their performance during these by-elections. It is rumoured that the PML-N would win 18 out of 20 seats being contested. The situation would test credibility of the Election Commission,' Mr Qureshi said.

ECP seeks report on PTI leader's allegations of 'abuse of power'

He alleged the district administration was acting as a facilitator of the PML-N and pressing candidates to change loyalties.

The PTI...