Death toll in Khairpur rises to 12 following armed clash during LG polls

KHAIRPUR: The death toll following a clash in Khairpur during the first phase of the Local Government elections has risen to twelve.

The Armed clash between two political groups left 12 dead and 16 injured at the Union Council Daraza Sharif, Khairpur. SSP Khairpur said the army had been called in to restore order.

Scuffles were also reported from some other polling stations in both Sindh and Punjab where people sustained minor injuries but there were no reports of any casualties.

Chief Secretary Sindh suspended SP Umerkot for ‘violating the code of conduct for LG elections’.

Security reinforcements of Rangers and police were dispatched to Jacobabad to maintain order during today’s polls.

Meanwhile the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered re-polling in 2 UCs, 17 Wards in Punjab and 2 UCs, 4 Wards in Sindh.

Earlier, polling for the first phase of the much awaited Local Government elections began at 7:30 AM and continued till 5:30 PM in 12 districts of Punjab and 8 of Sindh.

Polling began late in a few districts of Sindh where polling staff showed up late.

Long queues of people were witnessed at a number of polling stations where they exercised their right to vote.

Special security arrangements have been made to ensure that the poll exercise is conducted in a peaceful manner. In this regard section 144 CRPC has been imposed which also bars all from carrying and sporting weapons.

Additional contingents of Rangers and police personnel were deployed at polling stations which were declared sensitive.