The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday was told that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transport Minister Shah Muhammad, his brother and sons were directly involved in the rigging during the local government elections in Baka Khel Tehsil of Bannu on Dec 19, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The election commission was hearing a case pertaining to the postponement of local elections in Baka Khel Tehsil of Bannu.  

The DRO and returning officer were appeared before the commission.

During the hearing, the JUI (F) lawyer told the commission that provincial Transport Minister Shah Muhammad came to the polling station with armed men and took away the polling material with him. His brother Gul Baz Khan and his sons were directly involved in the vote theft. 

Recounting of ballots for Bannu mayor election starts 

The DRO has agreed to start the recounting of votes polled during the election for Bannu mayor. 

The request for recounting was submitted by PTI mayor candidate Iqbal Jadoon. While accepting Mr Jadoon’s application, the DRO decided to recount the ballots. 

The DRO office sent notices to all candidates and summoned them at Deputy Commissioner Office. The recounting of ballots has started in as many as 286 polling stations. 

Baka Khel tribe stages sit-in 

On the other hand, the Baku Khel tribe people on Wednesday blocked the Bannu-Miranshah Road by staging a sit-in. 

The Baka Khel tribe was protesting the registration of cases against KP Transport Minister Shah Muhammad, his son Malik Mamoon and 21 other Baka Khel people for their alleged involvement in the abduction of polling staff and theft of election material.

Due to protest, a long queue of vehicles could be seen on the road. 

The protesters were demanding withdrawal of cases against their people and announcement of LG polls in the area.

Reporters Usman Khan, Farhatullah Babar