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\u2022 Chief secretary submits reply on directives for providing level playing field to PTI ISLAMABAD: The chief secretary of Punjab has assured the Supreme Court that the provincial government is committed to supporting the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in conducting free and fair elections, scheduled for February 8.<\/p>\n In a reply submitted to the apex court on Saturday, the chief secretary stated that the provincial government had implemented in letter and spirit all instructions received from the ECP and Punjab election commissioner. Compla\u00adints received from political parties had also been disposed of in accordance with relevant rules and laws, he added.<\/p>\n The reply was furnished in response to the court\u2019s Jan 3 order<\/a> for the chief secretary and the inspector general of police to furnish a report on whether the directives issued by the provincial election commission to them were complied with, and if not, then explain the reason for not doing so.<\/p>\n The directives were issued on a contempt of court petition moved by the Pak\u00adi\u00ads\u00adtan Tehreek-i-Insaf against the ECP and other government authorities for the all\u00adeged violation of the apex court\u2019s Dec 22 orders<\/a>, as well as lack of level playing field for the party during the election process.<\/p>\n According to the reply, the Punjab government prepared district-wise handbooks containing all details regarding election; besides, all returning officers (RO) have been directed to provide level playing field to all the contesting candidates and political parties for the conduct of the general elections.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Says all candidates were able to file nomination papers without any hindrance<\/strong><\/p>\n