LAHORE, Sept 17: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar has expressed his annoyance over Gujrat district police officer (DPO)’s failure to implement his order issued to him a couple of weeks ago. Following complaints of casting of votes by police officials in the district in the last phase of local polls, the CEC had, during his last visit to the city, directed the Gujrat DPO to immediately conduct an inquiry into the reports and submit a report. But the DPO failed to comply with the order.
Chairing a high-level meeting here on Saturday, the CEC directed the inspector-general police, Punjab, to immediately obtain a report from his sub-ordinate.
Taking a notice of transfers in the Punjab, he sought that all these transfers must be cancelled as required under the law.
He also warned the Kasur district coordination officer (DCO) to remain neutral and impartial during the conduct of third and indirect phase of local polls in which district and tehsil nazims and members for reserved seats of district and tehsil councils would be elected on Oct 6.
“Neutrality and impartiality should be maintained by all quarters concerned for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections.”
There were complaints that the DCO was campaigning in favour of the ruling party nominees.
The CEC also warned that any candidate found involved in bribing, kidnapping and barring any voter from casting his/her vote shall stand disqualified.
The meeting was attended by Election Commission member Justice Nasim Sikandar, chief secretary Kamran Rasool, IGP Ziaul Hasan and secretaries of local government and home, provincial election commissioner Rahim Nawaz Khan Durrani and assistant election commissioner (elections) Rana Muhammad Aslam.
CANCELLED: Punjab police chief Zaiul Hasan on Saturday cancelled the posting and transfer of some 32 ASPs and DSPs made during the last couple of days.
A police spokesman told Dawn that the decision had been taken on the direction of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Meanwhile, Zaiul Hasan visited the Services Hospital to inquire after the health of an injured constable.
Muhammad Ishfaq had sustained bullet injuries while chasing two robbers the other day on the Ferozpur Road. The IGP announced a cash award of Rs50,000 from his department and Rs100,000 from the chief minister.
The DIG and SSP (Operations) were also present.