Returning officers to work with eyes and ears open:CJ Lahore High Court Omar Ata Bandial

Lahore: Chief Justice Lahore High Court Umar Atta Bandial has asked the returning officers to work with eyes and ears open in order to ensure free and impartial elections in the country.

He was addressing district returning officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers of eight districts at Punjab Judicial Academy here today. Earlier, they presented their problems. Umar Atta Bandial said that holding of elections is the duty of the Election Commission of Pakistan which has been entrusted by the Election Commission of Pakistan and National Judicial Policy making Committee to render this job in an effective and transparent manner. He stressed the DROs and AROs to extend fullest support to the ECP so that the government formed is legitimized. The Chief Justice said that it is tribute to your abilities and legal propriety to conduct the forthcoming elections which will enhance your credibility. You will be working as field officers and have to take practical steps while working as DROs, ROs and AROs, he added. Umar Atta Bandial said that it is the test of your capabilities. You may find problems while interacting with others state institutions and agencies. You may not mistrust any national or provincial institution and always develop coordination with them to meet the challenge of holding peaceful and transparent elections. Chief Justice asks the DROs, ROs and AROs that if they find any difficulty or inconvenience and non-cooperation on the part of dealing agencies, they may write directly to ECP and also send a copy to Lahore High Court. Lahore High Court will help them to solve the problem. He prayed that may Allah help and guide to accomplish this noble task and national responsibility in such a manner that nobody should point finger to your ability.