Lahore, Pakistan: High tension marked the inauguration of the Punjab Assembly on Friday as newly elected candidates backed by ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party clashed with police. The candidates allege their victories were stolen through election rigging and attempted to protest inside or near the assembly building.

Heavy Police Presence, Accusations Fly:

• A large police force, led by the Inspector General himself, secured the assembly amidst concerns about protests. PTI, however, accused them of suppressing their demonstrations against alleged rigging.
• The party’s nominee for Chief Minister, Mian Aslam Iqbal, was reportedly missing, with PTI leadership claiming police arrested him, which authorities denied.

Hide-and-Seek and Protests:

• Several PTI-backed candidates recounted evading police to reach the assembly, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
• Leader Sheikh Imtiaz said they had to “hide” to attend.
• Outside, PTI workers and supporters of the rival PML-N clashed, chanting accusations of rigging and corruption.

Hammad Azhar’s Claims and Accusations:

• PTI leader Hammad Azhar, in hiding with his family, claimed his residence was “sealed” by authorities to silence him.
• He criticized Maryam Nawaz’s nomination for Chief Minister, arguing she lost her own election and that PML-N’s wins beyond their direct victories were achieved through manipulation.

Unresolved Tensions and Uncertainties:

• The clash between newly elected officials and law enforcement underscores the volatile political climate in Punjab.
• Unresolved accusations of rigging and the arrest claims fuel uncertainty and potential further conflicts.
• The incident highlights the challenges faced by the newly formed assembly, with tensions likely to persist until grievances are addressed.

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