Taliban have taken over polling stations claims Mohsin Dawar

NORTH WAZIRISTAN: In a recent development in the electoral landscape of Pakistan, Mohsin Dawar, a prominent political figure, and candidate for NA-40 has raised serious concerns regarding the security situation in Tappi, North Waziristan.

He spoke on the eroding security situation, particularly in the NA-40 constituency. Dawar, known for his vocal stance on socio-political issues, claims that Taliban forces have taken control of several polling stations in the region.

PM Kakar cannot guarantee free and fair elections, claims foreign media

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, expressing his apprehensions, Dawar stated, “I have written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), urging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take immediate notice of the alarming security situation in Tappi. It is deeply concerning that Taliban elements have allegedly assumed control over polling stations, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of the electoral process.”

Dawar posted an image of the letter, which read “Three of our female polling agents very narrowly escaped attacks in the polling station in Government Middle School Wresham Jan Kot, GHS Tappi and GPS Awal Khan Kot in the morning of the polling day on the 8th of February.”

He added, “I had written a letter to the concerned DRO about the security situation in Tappi but my letter was ignored.”

“The security situation in Tappi has remained tense since months. I survived an attack in Tappi during my election campaign in January while an independent candidate of PK-104, Kaleem Dawar, was killed in an attack in Tappi during his election campaign in Januar,” Dawar wrote.

Elections 2024: polling ends, counting begins

The allegations made by Mohsin Dawar underscore the challenges faced by electoral authorities in ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process in regions plagued by security concerns.

The reported presence of Taliban forces in polling stations raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures and the ability of authorities to uphold the principles of democracy in such areas.

Meanwhile, the ECP has yet to issue an official response to Dawar’s claims.