PESHAWAR: The Milli Muslim League (MML), the political face of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), on Monday served legal notice on a returning officer for the October 26 by-election in NA-4 for describing it as a ‘proscribed’ organisation.

Returning Officer Muhammad Ishaq Khan had asked the MML-backed independent candidate Haji Liaquat Ali Khan to explain reasons for highlighting the support of a proscribed organisation on his election banners and gave him three days to file a reply.

Taking exception to the word ‘proscribed’, MML president Saifullah Khalid through his legal notice asked the returning officer to tender an apology; “otherwise, they would file a damages lawsuit worth Rs100 million”.

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In the notice, the returning officer also said that the candidate had violated the election code of conduct by displaying banners beyond the permissible size.

He said Haji Liaquat Ali had breached the code of conduct by displaying the support of the unregistered party, MML, though he had filed nomination papers as an independent candidate.

“You are hereby advised through this notice to submit your reply in writing to the undersigned in connection with your adherence to the code of conduct notified by the Honourable Election Commission of Pakistan failing which strict action will be taken under the law. Compliance to this notice should reach the undersigned no later than three days,” the notice read.

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Haji Liaquat had inaugurated his election office on Kohat Road some two weeks back and displayed billboards carrying a message that he enjoys the MML’s support.

Moreover, the returning officer also ordered the capital city police officer, Peshawar to take back a notification regarding transfers/postings of 12 police officials.

The CCPO Peshawar through a notification reshuffled 12 police officials in Peshawar. The returning officer asked for withdrawal of the notification until the by-election are over.

According to the returning officer, transfers/postings were in violation of paras (iii) and (iv) of the code of conduct notified by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Fifteen candidates are in the run for the NA-4 (Peshawar IV) by-election. The seat had fallen vacant with the death of PTI MNA Gulzar Khan.

The post Peshawar by-poll: MML asks govt official to apologise for calling it ‘proscribed’ group appeared first on The Express Tribune.

Source: Tribune News | Peshawar by-poll: MML asks govt official to apologise for calling it ‘proscribed’ group