SWABI, Dec 13: The Awami National Party on Thursday appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner to bar district nazim Shahram Khan from ‘misusing’ the district government machinery and resources in the poll campaign of his two uncles.

The nazim’s two uncles, Usman Khan Tarakai and Javid Iqbal Tarakai, are contesting the election from NA-12 and PF-32, respectively.

Mr Usman is contesting the election against Asfandyar Wali Khan and Mr Javid against former MPA Amir Rehman.

ANP district general secretary Jehanzeb Khan told Dawn that he had written to the Chief Election Commissioner, Provincial Election Commissioner, District Coordination Officer and District Returning Officer inviting his attention to the ‘fact’ that Shahram Khan had been using the district government resources against the ANP candidates. Mr Jehanzeb said that the interference would influence the election.

“If he was allowed to continue using government resources it would be against requirement of a free election,” he said.

“The officials concerned should visit the district and see for themselves what has already been done by the district government to rig the polls,” he said, adding that it was the responsibility of the government to take prompt action against the violators of election rules.

“We have proof that Shahram has misused the district government’s resources,” he alleged.