LAHORE, Nov 18: An election tribunal on Monday ordered inspection of votes through thumb impressions of the voters in NA-118, Lahore, to verify their authenticity.

The tribunal passed this order on an application of Hamid Zaman, a defeated candidate of the PTI from the National Assembly constituency, challenging victory of PML-N candidate Malik Riaz.

The tribunal member, Kazim Ali Malik observed in his order that the cost of the inspection would be borne by the petitioner.

Zaman through his counsel, Tipu Salman Makhdoom, alleged that grave illegalities and corrupt practices were committed on the day of polling by the respondent (Riaz). He alleged that polling agents and supporters of the respondent in connivance with officials of the provincial government rigged the election.

He prayed that the votes should be verified through thumb impressions of the voters.

The main petition of Zaman is still pending seeking criminal proceedings against Malik Riaz under provisions of Representation of People’s Act of 1976 following disqualification.

Salary deduction case

The Lahore High Court on Monday sought a reply from the Punjab government on a writ petition challenging compulsory deduction of one-day salary of the government servants to raise fund for rehabilitation of earthquake victims.

Barrister Javed Iqbal Jaffrey filed the petition as public interest litigation and submitted that no law allowed the government to deduct salary of its employees even for any noble cause. He said the government acted illegally by deducting one-day salary of the employees for relief fund.

The petitioner prayed to the court to set aside the impugned act of the government and direct it to help the earthquake victims from its own funds.

The court heard initial arguments and sought a reply from the government by Dec 3.