In a disturbing turn of events during the PP-52 by-election in Sialkot (Sambrial), the police have lodged a case against 271 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers for allegedly attacking law enforcement personnel and seizing control of a polling station. The incident occurred at Government Girls High School, Sahuwala, and has raised serious concerns about the safety and transparency of the electoral process.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Sambrial Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Irshad Ahmed, a total of 21 named and 250 unidentified PTI supporters are accused of storming the polling station on June 1 around 6:15 PM. The FIR states that the workers held the polling staff hostage and forcibly removed official election materials including ballot boxes and papers.
Inspector Ahmed, responding to an urgent alert from the sector in-charge, reached the scene with his team and claimed they repeatedly asked the intruders to disperse and return the stolen items. However, the group allegedly refused and instead launched a violent attack.
The police report notes that PTI workers used iron rods, stones, sticks, and wooden poles to assault the officers. Three policemen — Ali Ahmed, Naveed Ali, and Rohil Mushtaq — were critically injured and rushed to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Sambrial, for treatment. The SHO also claimed that the mob opened fire at the police, prompting them to take defensive positions and fire back to protect themselves.
In addition to the physical assault, the attackers reportedly damaged police vans and vehicles designated for transporting polling staff. After the violent confrontation, the assailants managed to flee the scene.
The FIR includes serious charges under sections 324 (attempted murder), 353 (assault to deter public servant from duty), 440 (mischief with intent to cause damage), 393 (attempt to commit robbery), and 148/149 (rioting and unlawful assembly) of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
District Police Officer (DPO) Sialkot, Faisal Shahzad, confirmed that special police teams have been constituted to identify and apprehend the culprits. He assured that efforts are actively underway to bring those responsible to justice.
The incident has not only marred the electoral atmosphere in the region but also highlighted the urgent need for stronger security measures and enforcement of electoral laws to protect the integrity of democratic processes in Pakistan.
