ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: Thirteen appeals against rejection of nomination papers for Senate elections by returning officers were filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday—-the last date for filing appeals.

Secretary Election Commission Kanwar Mohammad Dilshad said two of the appellants had filed papers for a technocrat seat from Islamabad while another two wanted to contest for a technocrat seat and a general seat from the Punjab. Three appeals have been filed from Sindh, one from the NWFP and five from Balochistan, he added.

The appellants from the federal capital are Dr Nisar Ahmed Sheikh (technocrat) and Mazhar Ali Choudhry (technocrat), from the Punjab are Dr Israr Hussain Shah (technocrat) and Mohammad Akbar Khawaja (general).

From Sindh, the appellants are Mohammad Owais Siddique (general), Dr Karim Ahmed Khowaja (technocrat) and Gul Mohammad Hajano (technocrat). Only one candidate, Haroon Bashir Bailor (technocrat), has filed appeal from the NWFP.

From Balochistan, Dr Sardar Mohammad Hussain (technocrat), Mohammad Akram (general), Mohammad Yousaf (general), Mohammad Sajid Tareen (technocrat) and Arbab Mohammad Hashim (technocrat) have filed appeals.

Member Election Commission from Punjab Justice Nasim Sikandar will hear the appeals in respect of Islamabad, the Punjab and the NWFP on February 18 in the Election Commission Secretariat, Islamabad.

Justice Muhammad Sadiq Leghari, Member Election Commission from Sindh, will hear appeals from Sindh in Karachi while appeals against decisions of returning officer of Balochistan will be heard by Justice Ahmed Khan Lashari, Member Election Commission from Balochistan, in Quetta.

The commission has made it clear that decisions of EC members will be final. It has reminded all the candidates that the last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 21. The final list of candidates will be published on February 22.

A total of 167 candidates have filed nominations for 50 Senate seats. Elections for two seats from Islamabad and four from Fata will be held on March 4 in the National Assembly while provincial assemblies will elect 11 Senators each on March 6.