LAHORE: The two main rival candidates in NA-120 by-poll -- Ms Kulsoom Nawaz of the PML-N and Dr Yasmin Rashid of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf -- will appear before the returning officer today (Thursday) for scrutiny of their nomination papers.

As per the by-election schedule, Aug 17 is the last date for completion of scrutiny of the nomination papers filed by the candidates.

The RO had sought appearance of Dr Rashid at 11am, while Ms Nawaz was asked to appear at 3pm for scrutiny process.

Candidates of the PPP and the PAT have already filed objections to Ms Nawaz’s nomination papers.

The appeals against rejection or acceptance of nomination papers can be filed by Aug 21, while the appellate tribunal would decide the appeals by Aug 24.

The candidates can withdraw their papers till Aug 25, while the RO will release final list of the candidates on Aug 26. Polling is scheduled for Sept 17.

Interestingly, city administration on Wednesday carried out patchwork on the road outside the provincial election commission’s office where the RO sits.

Sources said the road was repaired ahead of appearance of Ms Nawaz, the wife of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2017