ISLAMABAD, Sept 16: The scrutiny of nomination papers for the third phase of the local government election began on Friday. During this phase, election to the posts of zila nazim, tehsil/town nazim and to seats reserved for women, peasants, workers and minorities in zila and tehsil/town councils will be held across the country on Oct 6.

On Sept 18, the offices of returning officers will open to receive appeals against rejection of nominations. The appeals will be disposed of on Sept 20.

The final list of candidates will be published on Sept 22.

In all, 695 candidates have filed nomination papers for the posts of zila nazims and 2,135 for the posts of tehsil/town nazims in the four provinces.

Likewise, 4,260 nominations have been received for reserved seats for women in zila councils, while 2,856 papers have been filed for such seats for peasants and workers. There are 934 nominations filed for reserved seats for minority communities. —APP