Six injured in clash during by-election rally

At least six people, including former federal minister and MNA Chaudhry Tariq Bashir Cheema, were reportedly injured when a rally following an election meeting in Baqirpur, Bahawalpur, was attacked during a clash between supporters of independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema and PML-N workers, officials and rescue sources said. The incident occurred during the by-election campaign for NA-168, where Wali Dad Cheema, the son of Tariq Bashir Cheema, was holding a public meeting in Baqirpur. According to police and rescue officials, firing took place during the confrontation, while chairs, bricks and sticks were allegedly used in the ensuing clash. Rescue 1122 officials said two people sustained bullet wounds, while four others were injured after being struck by chairs and bricks. Rescue teams reached the scene and shifted the injured to Bahawal Victoria Hospital and Civil Hospital for treatment, according to Rescue 1122 officials. Police officials said Bahawalpur DPO and other senior officers, along with a heavy contingent, reached the area after receiving information about the incident. They said the election campaign was subsequently suspended and legal proceedings were initiated. Sources said those seriously injured included senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader Syed Tatheerul Hassan, also known as Pappu Bhai, along with four others. According to accounts of the incident, PML-N workers allegedly opened fire at the rally before the confrontation escalated into stone- and brick-throwing and the use of chairs and sticks. These allegations could not be independently verified. Speaking to supporters after the incident, former federal minister Chaudhry Tariq Bashir Cheema warned that if police and other institutions failed to take what he described as proper legal action, the situation could move beyond their control.