SAHIWAL, Sept 30: On the orders of the chief election commissioner, the Anti-Corruption Establishment has stopped inquiry against the former Sahiwal district and tehsil nazims, who are once again contesting elections against the ruling PML nominees.

The ACE had begun probe against the candidates on Thursday and it has to withdraw from it just in a day.

It is learnt that the CEC has taken a serious note of the charges levelled against the former district and tehsil nazims, saying such inquiries affect the election results and should be deferred till the elections are over.

DEATH SENTENCE: Two persons were awarded death penalties and Rs200,000 fine by two courts in Sahiwal on Friday.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Syed Maroof Ahmad Ali handed down death penalty to a farmer for killing a labourer, Abdul Rashid. The convict has also been directed to pay Rs100,000 compensation to the heirs.

The court, however, acquitted Sadiq Husain, Javedur Rehman, Abid Husain and Abdul Rehman giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Waseem Akhtar awarded death sentence to Muhammad Arshad, who will also have to pay Rs100,000 as compensation.

The court acquitted Safdar Ali, Afzal, Munir Ahmad, Aqeel and Tauheed.

According to the prosecution, Arshad had killed Muhammad Khan Baggu over irrigation water dispute at Daleel Wattoo village. The Kamir police had arrested the accused.

INQUIRY: The National Bank of Pakistan president has ordered an inquiry into delay by a Sahiwal branch in the release of transfer money — salaries and other facilities — of the PTCL employees. The Sahiwal circle chief has been asked to file a reply.

Reports said PTCL employees union had complained to the bank president that Rs16.67 million was transferred to the branch, which failed to release the money in time.