NAWABSHAH: Two Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists were injured in a clash with Pakistan Peoples Party workers at a section of Nawabshah-Sanghar road on Monday.

       Both sides accused each other of provocation leading to the violence.

       The injured were identified as Irfan and Mushtaq Jatt.

       They were taken to the Peoples Medical University Hospital, Nawabshah, for treatment.

       According to sources in the area, the clash took place while TLP activists were installing their banners and hoisting flags near a PPP election office. It was said that the rival sides attacked each other with iron rods and clubs and some activists also resorted to aerial firing causing chaos and panic in the area.

       A local TLP leader, Mr Naeem, told reporters at the hospital that PPP workers were removing his party’s banners from different localities in Nawabshah which had already caused tension between the two sides. He alleged that PPP workers were also terrorising TLP workers and supporters.

       He said TLP workers were advised to exercise restraint and remain calm and peaceful.

       PPP Shaheed Benazirabad district president Ali Akbar Jamali and information secretary Rashid Chandio, in a press release, accused a group of TLP activists of attacking the PPP office and firing shots on it.

       They alleged that the TLP wanted to undermine the otherwise peaceful election environment in the area.

       They urged the Election Commission of Pakistan and Shaheed Benazirabad SSP to take notice of the incident and take legal action against the errant TLP activists.

       They also advised fellow workers and supporters not to react against such provocations.

       The local chapters of the two parties have been at odds over the murder of a TLP activist in Fotohal Zardari village near Qazi Ahmed town in a clash on Jan 16. Independent sources had, however, reported that the clash had taken place over a land dispute, and was not motivated by any political or religious issue. They said both sides belonged to the Zardrai clan and one side reacted over movement of its rivals in the dispute in the disputed piece of land.

       To find your constituency and location of your polling booth, SMS your NIC number (no spaces) to 8300. Once you know your constituency, visit the ECP website here for candidates.

       Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2024