Returning Officer
In a significant development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken decisive 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 chaired by the Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is actively pursuing recommendations for further action against Tariq Mehmood.
The ECP spokesperson revealed that Tariq Mehmood, in his capacity as the Returning Officer, was accused of abusing 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, signaling a commitment to maintaining the sanctity and fairness of the electoral process.
To fill the void left by Tariq Mehmood’s removal, 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 dedication to upholding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. It aims to ensure that officials, particularly those in critical roles like Returning Officers, adhere to ethical conduct and unbiased practices.
The inquiry committee’s ongoing deliberations and subsequent recommendations will guide additional measures against Tariq Mehmood, emphasizing the ECP’s firm stance against any misuse of authority in electoral matters. The transparency and accountability exhibited in this case serve to reinforce public confidence in the electoral system and underscore the ECP’s commitment to fair and just elections.
