KARACHI:TheMuttahida Qaumi Movement has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to set aside all transfers and postings ordered by the Sindh government after the announcement of the local government election schedule.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, senior MQM leader Kanwar Naveed Jameel said the ECP announced the election schedule on Sept 21 after which it was illegal to carry out transfers and postings.

He said the Sindh government transferred and posted favourites in police, education, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Sindh Building Control Authority and other departments.

He termed the government action part of a pre-poll rigging plan and urged the ECP to take notice of the violation of the election laws. Such transfers and posting would cast a doubt on the free, fair and impartial holding of the LG elections, he added.

He said the MQM was considering approaching courts against the transfers and postings.

Mr Jameel, who is also a member of the national assembly, said the law enforcement agencies had `illegally` arrested MQM workers, office-bearers and candidates for the LG elections after the announcement of the election schedule.

He rejected allegations of the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf that the MQM was harassing any candidate.The MQM lawmaker also demanded that only honest officials be appointed as returning officers.