LAHORE - Taking serious notice of the alleged rigging in Sargodha by-election, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has sought written reply from the Punjab government, asking it to explain its position regarding transfers and postings of 26 civil and police officers undertaken in violation of election code of conduct ahead of the polls, and allegations of rigging by government officials. In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Secretary and written on two complaints filed by runner-up candidate from NA-68, Mazhar Ahmad Qureshi, the ECP has drew Punjab governments attention towards its DO letter, dated June30th, 2010, wherein government had been directed by the Chief Election Commissioner that transfers of police and civil officers in NA-68 (Sargodha) should not be made in the interest of free and fair by-elections till completion of the election process in the district concerned. The ECP has also sought reply from the government regarding a written complaint by Qureshi, who had submitted before the ECP that Deputy District Officer (Revenue), Sahiwal and his subordinate staff i.e. Patwari, Gardawar, Tehsildar and Secretary Union Council as well as DDO Revenue, Shahpur and Sillianwali, launched the election campaign of Sardar Shafqat Hayat Baloch, a PML-N candidate, by compelling voters to caste their votes in his favour. In the said letter, a copy of which is available with The Nation, the Chief Election Commissioner has directed Punjab Chief Secretary that transfer orders of 26 officers issued in violation of the ECPs D.O letter be cancelled immediately, and action must be taken against those who violated these orders after fixing the responsibility. The ECP has also asked the CS that the officials allegedly involved in rigging be called upon to explain their position individually as to the allegations levelled against them and a report to this effect be furnished to the commission for further action in accordance with the law. It is to be noted that Punjab government is yet to respond to the ECPs letter despite expiry of the stipulated seven-day period. It has been learnt that following directions from the ECP, Punjab Chief Secretary directed Commissioner Sargodha to explain his position over the issue, as he was the officer who ordered transfer of 26 officers in violation of directions of the Chief Election Commissioner. The runner-up candidate, Mazhar Ahmad Qureshi, who belongs to PPP, has levelled allegations of rigging against Punjab government. He is not ready to believe that he could lose the election after enlisting support of the influential Anwar Cheema group, PML-Q, JI, JUI and other parties. He is also doubtful about the officially declared turn out of 41 per cent in NA-68 in a situation when 40 polling stations in the constituency had been inundated by flood water and there is generally a low turn out in by-elections.