SARGODHA: An inquiry into the issuance of a fake death certificate of a candidate which resulted in the postponement of election on two National Assembly seats (NA-83 and 85) has held a son of the deceased guilty.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had, on Monday last, overturned the notifications of returning officers postponing elections in two NA constituencies of Sargodha district following death of an independent candidate for both the seats.

Accused Abdul Salam submitted to returning officers a certificate that showed his father Sadiq Ali, vying for both seats, died on Jan 15 whereas ailing Ali had expired on Jan 2.

A committee headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Hafiz Umar Farooq has submitted a preliminary report into the matter.

Deputy Director Local Government Babar Shahzad Ranjha, in the light of the preliminary inquiry report, ordered registration of a case against Abdul Salam, suspended Union Council Secretary Muhammad Jahangir and initiating a departmental inquiry against him.

The role of lambardar (village headman), patwari and others will also be determined in the departmental inquiry.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2024