SWABI: Former adviser to the chief minister on industry Abdul Karim on Sunday said that delay in the generalelections would create more uncertainty in the country, and asked the Election Commission of Pakistan to announce the date for polls at the earliest in line with the constitutional mandate.

Talking to Dawn at his residence in Tordher area of Chota Lahor, he said the Constitution was clear the general elections should be held within the 90 days after the dissolution of assemblies. He said President Arif Alvi had also written to election commission to hold the polls in the stipulated time.

He said following the elections the winning party or parties would be in a position to adopt longterm policies to steer the country out of the numerous internal and external challenges, especially the feeble economy.

MrKarim,whoremained in jail for over 50 days and was recently released on bail in the May 9 riot case, said the political parties were eagerly waiting for the announcement of the election date so they could start canvassing.

He said he would contest elections on PTPs ticket. He claimed he had worked for people`s welfare, and on the basis of his performance, he would win his seat.Mr Karim said Imran Khan was his leader, and he would never ditch him.

ARREST: The police on Sunday arrested an interprovincial auto thief and recovered a stolen tractortrolley from him.

AbdulHafeez of Kotha village had reported to the Topi police a few days ago that unknown thieves had stolen his tractor-trolley at night.

The police had registered an FIR against the unknown persons.

District police officer Najamul Hussain identified the thief as Sartaj Khan, a resident of Charsadda district.