The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken action against the returning officer of NA-44 DI Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tariq Mehmood, for the alleged misuse of power.
The electoral watchdog, led by a three-member inquiry committee headed by the Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is now seeking recommendations for further action against Tariq Mehmood.
The spokesperson for the ECP disclosed that Tariq Mehmood, in his capacity as the Returning Officer, abused his authority by altering the election symbol of a candidate within his constituency. Acting promptly upon this serious violation, the Commission has removed Tariq Mehmood from his post.
To fill the vacancy, Syed Gulfam Abbas Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan, has been appointed as the new Returning Officer for NA-44. Additionally, the ECP has recommended the immediate suspension of Tariq Mehmood and has urged reporting the matter to the Establishment Department for further action.
This decisive action underscores the Commission’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process, ensuring that officials adhere to ethical conduct and unbiased practices in their roles. The inquiry committee’s recommendations will guide additional measures against Tariq Mehmood, signaling a firm stance against any misuse of authority in electoral matters.
