After announcement of polls schedule: Bokhari writes to ECP to take notice of transfer of Sialkot DC

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) wrote a letter to Chief Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) requesting to take notice of the transfer of deputy commissioner (DC) Sialkot after the announcement of the election schedule for PP-52 Sialkot IX.

Bokhari in a letter to ECP states that the ECP has to organize and conduct election honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law and the corrupt practice are guarded against the Article 218(3) of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan clearly mentions the duties of ECP.

He stated that he election schedules for PP-52 Sialkot IX has been announced by the ECP vide notification dated 18th April, 2025. He stated that the candidates for PP-52 Sialkot IX have submitted their nomination papers as per schedule. The PPPP has fielded its candidate for the aforementioned seat/constituency.

He stated that the services and General Administration department of Government of Punjab vide letter dated 26th April, 2025 has transferred MS Saba Asghar Ali as Deputy Commissioner of Sialkot relieving Syed Hassan Raza Deputy Commissioner Narowal of additional charge of the post.

Bokhari stated that the Section 5(4) of the Election Act 2017 prohibits the posting/transfer of any official appointed or deputed in connection with an election without prior approval in writing of the commission.

He stated that the Government of Punjab has ignored the provision of the Election Act 2017, by posting/transferring the aforementioned officers. “It is incumbent for all the institutions under the provision of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 and Election Act 2017 to ensure free and fair Elections,” he stated in a letter.

In the circumstances, the secretary general PPP Parliamentarians prayed that the ECP may kindly take notice/cognizance of the violation of the provision of Constitution and the Election Act 2017 by the Government of Punjab.