ISLAMABAD, Jan 15: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday asked the PML-Q leadership to explain its ‘highly controversial advertisement’ which appeared in the press asking non-Sindhis to apply for compensation for losses suffered by them during riots that engulfed the province after the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

“Yes we have sought explanation from Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on the advertisements that appeared in some newspapers,” Election Commission Secretary Kanwar Mohammad Dilshad told Dawn.

The explanation was sought following a letter written by caretaker Minister for Human Rights Ansar Ahmed Burney to the commission about the advertisements describing them as aimed against the people of Sindh.

Ansar Burney had also met Chief Election CommissionerJustice (retd) Qazi Mohammad Farooq to draw his attention to some statements fanning parochialism, especially the ‘highly objectionable advertisements’.

During the meeting, the minister urged the CEC to take notice of the advertisements which, according to him, smacked of prejudice and could spark hatred.

The advertisements had asked all non-Sindhis living in Sindh to provide details of losses they suffered during the riots.

However, after a strong public reaction from the public the PML-Q removed the term non-Sindhis from the advertisement, suggesting that Sindhis also could apply for the same.