He claims police checkpoints repeatedly blocked his entry and all attempts to campaign and hold rallies. Even attempts to talk to potential voters were obstructed, he says. He has also accused the police of attempting to intimidate him and his family.
"We have been harassed constantly by police, many of my workers arrested for trying to campaign, and I can't even go into my constituency," said Hafeez, speaking before last week's vote.
"They have also registered many false cases against me. They are going after me like a criminal when all I am trying to do is freely fight an election." The parliamentary elections came against a backdrop of a crackdown on the PTI and rising militant attacks. Last week, at least 30 people were killed when bombs ripped through two political offices in the restive south-western state of Balochistan. Violence at election time is common in Pakistan, which has struggled to rein in various militant groups.
Hafeez's case was not unique. Since violent protests erupted last May, leaders and workers of PTI have alleged a campaign of intimidation and arrests designed to debilitate the party. Fourteen PTI candidates stood in the election from jail.
Denne historien er fra February 16, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra February 16, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian Weekly.
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