NA-240 Karachi by-poll: Brawl erupts amidst theft of ballot book 

Karachi: A horrific brawl has been erupted between the workers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) during the by-election in NA 240 Korangi-2 Karachi amid the theft of ballot book, GNN reported Thursday.  

According to details, a heated argument triggered the scuffle which lead to severe physical assault among workers of both political parties at UC 23 Landhi constituency outside Govt boys primary school Ansari Muhalla.

This comes after, reportedly, an unknown man stole the ballot book from one of the polling stations—Jinnah School Karachi—which was later discovered. 

Security forces detained many workers, however, the polling continued with a low turnout.

Polling for the by-election started at 8am and will continue till 5pm without any break. 

According to details, the seat had fell vacant due to death of Iqbal Muhammad Ali of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan.

Three hundred and nine polling stations have been constituted in the constituency, of which 203 polling stations have been declared very sensitive and 106 sensitive.

There are total 529,855 registered voters in the constituency among which 235,470 are females and 294,385 are males. 

The voters will use their right to franchise to elect the candidate of their choice. 

The by-elections will be monitored by cameras at polling stations. 

The arrangements have also been made for timely delivery of election material to the polling stations and transportation of the relevant staffers to be on duty on the day.

Total 25 Candidates belonging to MQM Pakistan, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Muhajr Quomi Movement, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and eighteen independents are taking part in by-elections.  

In the meantime, strict security measures have been taken to maintain law and order in the constituency. 

The Rangers deployment order was issued on the request of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure peace at all polling stations.