November 5, 2003	Wednesday	Ramazan 9, 1424

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MUZAFFARABAD, Nov 4: AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan said on Tuesday the government would ensure free and fair by-election to be held on Saturday in Bagh district.

“The government would remain impartial in the by-poll and I have already directed the administration of Bagh district to uphold my commitment,” he told legislators from the ruling Muslim Conference party at the PM House.

MC president and MLA Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan was also present on the occasion.

The premier urged the electorates to cast their votes by rising above “all kinds of prejudices so that true representative of the people could return to assembly”.

The by-election became due following the death of ruling party legislator, Raja Sabil Ahmed Khan, last month.

MC has nominated the former minister, Raja Mohammad Yasin, as its candidate, whereas AJK Jamaat-i-Islami has fielded its former chief, Abdur Rahid Turabi, in the fray.

Mr Turabi was MLA from the constituency in previous assembly, but had lost to Mr Khan in July 2001, general elections.

The People’s Party is yet to nominate its candidate, however, it is most likely that the former minister, Sardar Qamaruz Zaman, would clinch PP ticket.