December 15, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 4, 1428

LAHORE, Dec 14: The Election Commission of Pakistan has directed the Punjab government to comply strictly with the election code of conduct across the province and ensure speedy disposal of poll-related complaints.

The provincial government has also been asked to ensure law and order during the election campaign and on the polling and ban transfers till the election process is completed.

“The Punjab government has been told to comply with the code of conduct strictly besides informing the commission about such complaints, if any,” the Election Commission secretary told APP after his meeting with Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Local Government secretary and other senior officials of the Punjab government.

He said the Punjab government had been asked to ensure that sufficient number of buildings were spared for polling stations.

“We have also directed the provincial government to ensure security and free mobility of international observers as well as media,” Dilshad said.

He said the government had also been told to set up a complaint centre to dispose off the complaints regarding violation of the code of conduct which was complied with immediately.

Chief Secretary Salman Siddique said transfers and postings of the government employees had already been banned and measures were being taken to overcome shortage of female election staff and their smooth transportation to polling stations on the polling day.

Salman said the government had already removed huge banners and hoardings from buildings and roads.

IGP Ahmed Naseem informed the EC secretary that a plan for deployment of force had been prepared for the polling day and one police mobile van would be available for five polling stations each across the province.—APP