The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has received various inquiries in relation to the scrutiny proceedings being conducted by the Returning Officers across the Country

 Islamabad, the 4^th April 2103.-     The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has received various inquiries in relation to the scrutiny proceedings being conducted by the Returning Officers across the Country.

           It is hereby clarified that the Returning Officers are members of Pakistan's Judiciary. They are carrying out their duties as Returning Officers independently. The ECP does not instruct or direct the Returning Officers how to decide the fate of nomination forms. The ECP only provides data, as received, from the FBR, NAB, SBP and other governmental authorities, to the Returning Officers. 

            The decision of the Returning Officers to accept or reject nomination papers are subject to the right of appeal before the Election Tribunals comprising of learned Judges of the High Courts.