ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule for the by-elections in NA-122, Lahore, and NA-154, Lodhran, on Friday as the by-elections will be held on October 11. According to sources, appointments of Returning Officers (ROs) are under way. The ECP officials have said that the by-elections have to be held within 60 days adding that a summary of polling for by-elections has been sent to the chief election commissioner. The final schedule will be issued in a few days. Muhammad Saleh Zaafir adds: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Sardar Ayaz Sadiq would be the PML-N candidate for the NA-122 by-polls and expressed the hope that he would return to the National Assembly with even a greater margin of votes as he had an affectionate association with his constituents for whom he was always impatient to serve. He was talking to Sardar Ayaz Sadiq here at the PM House who called on the prime minister. The meeting continued for more than an hour. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq discussed with prime minister the overall political situation in the country. Both the leaders discussed the upcoming by-elections in NA-122 from where Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is again contesting. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif assured Sardar Ayaz Sadiq that the party would launch an assertive campaign for the election by reaching each and every constituent of the area. The prime minister appreciated the role of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as the Speaker of the National Assembly and termed him a man of credible traditions. He also eulogised the grace and courage shown by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq during the proceedings of the petition before the election tribunal. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq thanked the prime minister and said that the people of Pakistan had an unflinching confidence in his leadership. Meanwhile, MNA and ANP Parliamentary Leader Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour also called on the prime minister in the PM House. He discussed matters relating to national affairs with the prime minister
