ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: Chief Election Commissioner Irshad Hasan Khan on Friday temporarily banned all transfers and postings of civil servants in constituencies where by-elections are being held.

The direction has been given to ensure holding of the by-elections in a free, fair and transparent manner, an official announcement said.

By-elections in 10 constituencies of the National Assembly and 20 constituencies of provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, the NWFP and Balochistan are scheduled to be held on Jan 15.

The order asked the federation and provinces not to transfer the civil servants in districts where by-elections are being held with immediate effect till Jan 15.

The secretary establishment, chief secretaries, home secretaries and inspectors general of police in the provinces have already been directed to en-sure compliance of this directive.

The CEC also asked maintenance of a status quo in the postings/transfers already made in these districts prior to the issuance of this directive but that they not be given effect till the elections are over.

“Any transfer order passed by the competent authority in relation to these districts between Jan 10 and 15 be given effect to after by-elections are over,” the order said.

“This directive shall be enforceable throughout Pakistan and shall be executed as if the same has been issued by the High Court,” the order said.