ISLAMABAD, July 28: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday warned the Sindh administration of stern action if it did not send detailed reports on allegations that candidates were prevented from filing nominations for the local polls.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar had called the reports by July 26 from the Sindh chief secretary, police officers, district returning officers, district and sessions judges of Hyderabad, Ghotki, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Jamshoro and Karachi (Central).

The commission has taken serious notice of the non-compliance of its directive by the Sindh administration.

Commission’s Secretary Kanwar Dilshad told Dawn that the commission had sent reminders to the Sindh administration with a warning of stern action if reports were not sent soon.

The election body had sought reports by July 26 after taking notice of reports that some candidates, their proposers and seconders had either been kidnapped or detained by some influential people to stop aspirants from attending scrutiny of their nomination papers.

However, despite the expiry of the deadline, the provincial administration failed to submit the reports.

The commission has again reminded all government functionaries and candidates to follow the Code of Conduct for the local government elections 2005, and avoid violating it. Stern action would be taken against the violators.

Meanwhile, the CEC scheduled a meeting with the NWFP administration for Friday in Peshawar to review the overall law and order situation in the province.

After the meeting, the commission chief would visit Quetta to attend a similar meeting to get first-hand information about security and election measures in Balochistan.

The EC has already held these meetings in Karachi and Lahore.

DTAE EXTENDED: Meanwhile, the CEC has extended the last date for withdrawal of candidature until Friday.