ISLAMABAD, Sept 7: The Chief Election Commissioner Irshad Hasan Khan has cautioned employees of the commission against meddling in administrative affairs and said approaching political authorities in these matters may entail dismissal from service.

A circular issued by the CEC warned that any attempt to approach directly or indirectly or to bring political or other outside influence through the prime minister, governors, ministers, chief ministers, MNAs, senators, MPAs, on the CEC in any matter relating to appointments, promotions, transfers or other terms and conditions of service of a servant of the Election Commission, "comes within the ambit of 'misconduct' under Rule 2(4) of the Government Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973."

Any such attempt, it said, would entail disciplinary proceedings against the offender that could also lead to compulsory retirement, removal or dismissal from service or any other penalty contemplated under the law of any of the official involved.