ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Saturday asked Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan to substantiate his allegations against the administration and the police that they were supporting the candidates of a political party in the local government elections, sources told Dawn.

The PTI chairman was approached by Deputy Commissioner Mushtaq Ahmed through a letter delivered to the party coordinator, Younis Ali Raza.

The PTI chief was assured that strict action would be taken if any official of the administration was found guilty of misconduct. Mr Khan was also offered a meeting in the presence of members of the Election Commission of Pakistan in this regard.

According to sources, the letter had been sent to the PTI chairman in response to directives issued by the Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

The minister had asked the administration to address the reservations or objections raised by any political party over the conduct of the upcoming polls.

Besides, the police and the capital administration have also been asked to comply with the code of conduct issued by the ECP.

The letter stated: “It has been reported in a section of media that your party has reservations over the conduct of police in relation to the upcoming local government elections in Islamabad and reportedly your party has concrete proof that police are supporting a certain political party and hence giving them an undue advantage during the campaign for the elections in the city.”

In the letter, the PTI chief was informed that the capital administration and police were duty bound to uphold the law and ensure that all political parties adhered to the code of conduct issued by the ECP.

“However, if your party has any evidence against any official of the capital administration and police that they are tacitly or overtly supporting any political party or group, you are requested to approach this office at the earliest so that appropriate legal action can be initiated.

“A meeting of the capital administration with your team can also be held in the presence of officials from the ECP, if you so desire,” it added.

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2015