January 10, 2008	Thursday	Zilhaj 30, 1428

KARAK, Jan 9: A meeting of the candidates contesting from the constituencies of national and provincial assemblies held here on Wednesday at the office of the district coordination officer (DCO) criticised the procedure for flour distribution adopted by nazims and councillors.

The meeting chaired by Assistant Coordination Officer Mazhar Sajjad briefed the candidates on the code of ethics issued by the provincial government for the coming election.

The ACO urged the candidates to strictly follow the rules mentioned in the booklets provided to them.

The candidates, including Mufti Ajmal, Sher Nawaz, Khursheed Khattak, Jabbar Khattak and Taleem Khan raised objections on the method adopted by nazims and councillors for the distribution of flour.

They said the nazims and councillors were giving the commodity only to their favourite people.

They urged authorities to ensure the sale of flour on subsidised rates in the open market instead of distributing it through district governments.

They alleged that the district government functionaries from nazim to councillors were all influencing the electioneering process in violation of the code of conduct.

They called for suspension of local governments so that the government’s claim of holding free and fair elections could attain credence.

The ACO advised the candidates to bring their complaints to the notice of the Election Commission.