PML-N, PPP Leaders Filmed Distributing Cash Before Elections

In preparation for the upcoming elections in Pakistan, a country with a population of almost 241 million, reports have emerged of candidates resorting to distributing cash among voters to secure their support.

Accusations of vote-buying have surfaced in the provincial capital Lahore, with both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) pointing fingers at each other. A video clip circulating online features PML-N leaders with banners of Attaullah Tarar displayed on a wall. PPP alleges that this clip provides evidence of Mr. Tarar engaging in vote-buying activities in NA-127.

PMLN Attaullah Tarar is openly buying votes in Lahore NA-127 😶Imran Khan❤️❤️#ایاک_نعبد_و_ایاک_نستعین pic.twitter.com/wLZZT7mzQ0

— Da Rocky (@DaRockyPak) February 3, 2024

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The footage reveals political workers associated with Tarar’s campaign distributing money in his election office, reportedly compelling voters to pledge their support for the Nawaz League. In response, PML-N counters the allegations, asserting that PPP is also involved in buying votes in NA-127.

Tarar defended his position by claiming that individuals were caught taking oaths to vote for PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto. The PML-N stalwart further claimed that substantial sums of money are being transferred from Sindh to Lahore with the intention of enticing financially strained voters.

This exchange of accusations has escalated, with PML-N accusing PPP of attempting to manipulate the election outcome through the use of commission agents. The involvement of commission agents suggests a broader strategy to influence voters and potentially sway the electoral results in favor of the party deploying such tactics.

پیپلز پارٹی والے NA 127 میں ووٹوں کی خرید و فروخت کرتے رنگے ہاتھوں پکڑے گئے، لوگوں سے ووٹ کے لیے قرآن پاک اور مقدس کتابوں پر حلف لیے جا رہے تھے ، بلاول صاحب لاہور کا امن خراب کرنے آئے ہیں، مکمل قانونی کارروائی کروائیں گے۔ موقع پر میڈیا لے کر پہنچا اور پکڑ لیا pic.twitter.com/cATZ468s7i

— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) February 3, 2024

The allegations of vote-buying and the counter-accusations between PML-N and PPP underscore the challenges and controversies associated with the electoral process in Pakistan. The situation not only raises concerns about the integrity of the democratic process but also highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and enforcement of electoral regulations to ensure a fair and transparent election. As the country approaches the voting day, these incidents prompt a reflection on the importance of maintaining the principles of democracy and ensuring that the electoral system remains free from undue influences.