HYDERABAD: Sindh Care­taker Minister for Mines and Mineral Develop­ment retired Colonel Dost Mohammad Chandio, who also holds the portfolios of rehabilitation, transport and mass transit, has told the business community that the interim government is committed to holding of free and fair elections and has no political affiliation.

He was speaking to the office-bearers and members of the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) at its office here on Monday. “We don’t have any political affiliations and I as a minister will try my best to discharge my responsibilities diligently,” he said.

Col Chandio said that he was there to resolve problems of traders and business community. He held out the assurance that he would talk to the Hyderabad DIG about illegal stands of public transport in the interior of Sindh and hopefully the issue would be resolved.

HCCI president Ikram Rajput apprised the minister of the issues being faced by the business community of the city. Senior vice president Mohammad Arif, vice president Iqbal Hussain Baig and other chamber leaders were also present.

SUKKUR: Ghotki Returning Officer, Syed Sharafuddin Shah, who is the district and sessions judge, has warned that action will be taken against any candidate found violating ECP’s code of conduct.

Presiding over a meeting held in the Ghotki circuit house on Monday to review arrangements for the general elections in the district, Judge Shah said all candidates must strictly adhere to the code of conduct to avoid punitive action.

The meeting also reviewed the law and order situation in the district with reference to the ongoing election campaigns of contesting parties.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Ali Qureshi, district election commissioner, returning officers and officers as well as senior Pakistan Army, Rangers and police officers, besides candidates of Ghotki constituencies.

He reminded the candidates that display of weapons was prohibited and, therefore, no one should resort to violating the ban.

He directed the officials concerned to ensure registration of all private security guards with the district administration. He said no one should use in any way any government property for publicity in his/her election campaign.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2018