LG polls: ECP agrees to amend schedule for last phase

Parliamentary panel proposes curbs for caretaker govts

ISLAMABAD: Election authorities have decided to amend the dates for the third and final phase of local government polls in Punjab and Sindh on account of chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

The decision was taken after the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqah Jaffaria (TNFJ) told Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retired) Sardar Muhammad Raza that the December 3 date set for the third round of local body polls coincides with religious events.



Sakhawat Kazmi the secretary general of TNFJ, told reporters that the ECP had accepted their point of view and had assured them that the schedule would be amended accordingly.

He added that they had also demanded that the ECP make sure proscribed organisations are kept out of the elections.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee on electoral reforms has decided that caretaker governments will be barred from taking any major decisions especially on appointments, transfers and postings.

Zahid Hamid who heads the sub-panel of the committee told reporters that a new chapter will be added in the Constitution which would define powers of caretaker governments. He said the new recommendations are being proposed in light of the decision of the Supreme Court.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2015.