The Pakistan election authorities today ordered arrest of four officials in Sindh province for trying to open up postal ballots ahead of the elections.
The incident of opening of the secret postal ballots with alleged involvement of local assistant returning officers (AROs) had been reported from Sanghar and Sehwan districts.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered arrest of the four AROs, taking a serious note of the breach of secrecy.
An ECP press release said the two AROs from Sanghar and two others from Sehwan were attempting to open the postal ballots.
The Pakistan electoral laws provide for voting through postal ballots for those officials who cannot visit their home constituencies to cast their votes.
The ECP action came amid the rising pressure by political parties to ensure a free and fair elections, scheduled for July 25.
Meanwhile, the presiding officers in-charge of various polling stations were administered today an oath to maintain neutrality in the poll process.
The oath was administered by district returning officers in each district under the provisions of a newly enacted law, the Election Act 2017.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app