ECP pulls up Pak Punjab government over alleged harassment charge

Pakistan heads into elections on July 25, 24 days from now, and already there are reports being circulated in the media about candidates being harassed by interim governments.

The country's Punjab province being a make or break deal for most, if not all contesting political parties, has attracted the attention and ire of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) today on this issue.

Media reports have alleged that the interim government headed by Chief Minister Hasan Askari has been harassing candidates in Multan and Narowal.

The provincial government has been politedly and firmly told to take "immediate corrective measures", reports the Dawn.

Chief Minister Askari has been remineded of the briefing that was given by the ECP recently about the drill to be followed with regard to elections before and after.

The constitutional mandate of the ECP is to organise and conduct elections honestly, justly and fairly under Article 218(3) of the Constitution. This can only be achieved if there is a "conducive law and order environment".