(Suo Motto Notice)
Islamabad, the 7th August, 2005.- Mr. Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan taking a suo moto notice of an Article, which appeared in a section of press stating that some Union Nazims/Naib Nazims have returned unopposed by manipulation in Tharparkar district, directed the District Returning Officers/District & Sessions Judges, Tharparkar and Umerkot to hold fact-finding inquiries and send detailed reports. The reports of concerned District Returning Officers have been received in Election Commission.
2. The DRO, Tharparkar in his report has said that no complaint from any candidate, his proposer or a seconder regarding abduction/kidnapping or prevention from appearing before Returning Officer, was received by them. M/s. Dodo Bajeer, Jan Muhammad Wassayopoto, Motomal and Muhammad Essa Lund in their statements denied that they were abducted or pressurized to withdraw in favour of their opponents. The report further said that the candidates of Union Nazim/Naib Nazim withdrew from the contest at their own will without any pressure. The DRO cited example of Union Council Kaloi, Taluka Diplo, where real brother of Chief Minister, Sindh is contesting elections. In the said Union Council a contest will be held. The report also dispelled the impression that Returning Officers were not functioning neutrally and it has been categorically stated that District Returning Officer and Returning Officers in Tharparkar districts are functioning, impartially and strictly according to law.