ISLAMABAD:Election Commission (EC) has ordered Information Minister Atta Tarar to appear in person before it in connection with violation of code of conduct in by polls in Gujranwala. The case related to violation of code of conduct in Gujranwala by polls came up for hearing before Election Commission (EC). A 3-member bench of EC presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) took up the case for hearing.

Special secretary EC said information minister Atta Tarar visited the electoral constituency by helicopter and addressed the public meetings during election campaign. Information minister violated election act and code of conduct.EC can impose sentence upto 2 years. CEC said EC can issue orders to Prime Minister (PM) and government but government cannot issue directives to EC. Federal government does not look to be serious for Local Bodies (L B) polls in Islamabad. I make it clear that LB polls will take place in Islamabad at every cost.

CEC remarked how the PM gave the order teachers will not be assigned election duties. EC will bring staff from where. CEC expressed displeasure over smiling by parliamentary secretary health Isma Abbasi during hearing saying your Punjab Assembly seat can go. Contempt of court notice can be issued to you. Why information minister Atta Tarar used helicopter.

Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala said information minister visited cantonment board which is not under our control. CEC said you should go and come after reading law. Special secretary said two years sentence can be awarded on violation of code of conduct. CEC said EC has evolved fact finding report. DRO, DMO and RO should file written reply on fact finding report. EC had summoned information minister in person. Where is he. Sajeel Swati counsel for Atta Tarar gave reply information minister is on official foreign visit. CEC remarked all the respondents should appear in person on next hearing.

EC summoned CPO Gujranwala, EC adjourned the hearing till December 01.