MQM unchallenged in Karachi, PML-N wins Punjab third phase LB polls

RAWALPINDI (Staff Report) - Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as leading political party in the third phase of of local government elections in 12 districts of Punjab while Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) remained unchallenged in six districts of Karachi.

According to unofficial results from all over the Sindh province (Karachi), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is leading  with 254 seats. Independent candidates have secured 34 seats, while PPP 39, PTI 9 and JI 11.

In Punjab: PML-N is leading with 1019, Independent 979, PTI 261, PML-Q 12, JI 3 and PPP 110 seats.

The polling process which started at 7:30 am continued till 5:30 pm without any break.

In Punjab, polling was held in Layyah, Rajanpur, D G Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rawalpindi, Jhang, Khushab, Multan, Sialkot, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur districts.

In Sindh, polling was held in Karachi West, Karachi East, Karachi South, Karachi Central, Korangi and Malir.

The Election Commission had established a control room in Islamabad which will work till the finalisation of results.

Voters were asked to bring their original national identity cards with them for casting of votes.

Elaborate security arrangements were made to maintain law and order during polling.

A force of 35,057 policemen and 7,400 Rangers were providing security to polling stations in Karachi.

This was stated by Inspector General of Police Mr Ghulam Hyder Jamali and Home Secretary Mohammad Waseem while briefing the chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah in Karachi.

Inspector General of Police briefing the chief minister said Pakistan Rangers will be assisting police in creating a secure environment.

He said Pakistan Army had also deployed 10 companies.