LAHORE: Show-cause notices were issued to Federal Minister for Railways Khwaja Saad Rafiq, State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali and Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) chairperson Marvi Memom for participating in a campaign of Sardar Ayaz Sadig and Mohsin Latif, PML-N candidates for NA-122 and PP-147, respectively.

Assistant Returning Of ficer Sajid Husain on Monday issued notices to three parliamentarians of the ruling PML-N for violation of Section 30 of the code of conduct issued bythe Election Commission of Pakistan (E CP).

The said section restricts the president, prime minister, chairman/deputy chairman of Senate, speakers of assemblies, federal and provincial ministers and other public office holders from taking part in the election campaign.

The officer directed the respondent leaders to submit their replies within two days, failing of which would lead to strict action against them.

STAY EXTENDED: Justice Ayesha A. Malik of the Lahore High Court on Monday extended stay against a notification of the ECP that barred the president, PM, min-isters and public office holders from visiting constituency of by-election and canvassing for candidates.

As the proceedings resumed, the counsel for the federal government sought time to file his reply and the judge adjourned the hearing till Oct 27.

On last hearing, the judge had suspended operation of the ECP`s notification.

NOTICE TO ECP: The Lahore High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on a petition challenging release of development funds by the Punjab government after issuance of the local government election schedule inthe province.

Muhammad Ashfaq stated in his petition that the PML-N-led provincial government committed pre-poll rigging by releasing development funds of over Rs12 billion to its legIslators. He said the funds were released after issuance of the LG polls schedule in violation of the code announced by the ECP.

The petitioner said a complaint was lodged with the ECP, but no action was taken. He prayed to the court to order the commission to take action against the provincial government for releasing the funds illegally. The court heard the contention and issued notice to the ECP for next week.