PML-N alleges pre-poll rigging in GB by-election

GILGIT, March 27: The Pakistan Muslim League-N, Gilgit-Baltistan, has alleged the Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah, Governor Syed Pir Karam Ali Shah and other cabinet members are involved in pre-poll rigging by announcing uplift projects for the GB-19 Ishkoman valley constituency, where polling for a by-election would be held on March 30. The seat had fallen vacant following appointment of Syed Pir Karam Shah as governor GB. PML-N chief organiser Hafiz-ur-Rehman also alleged that Rahim Khan Durrani, the Chief Election Commissioner, was toeing the line of the government. He said Mr Durrani had also played a dubious role in the last general elections and now he was again playing a very negative role. Mr Rehman alleged that the governor GB was utilising all state resources in the campaign and that it was strange that days before the elections CM and his cabinet members were visiting the constituency which was shee r violation of election rules. But the election commission had turned a blind eye to the situation. He said the chief minister and cabinet members were announcing projects merely to divert the attention of the public. BRIDGE CONSTRUCTED: Work on a vital bridge linking two parts of the region was at last completed on Sunday after being initiated some six years ago. Officials of the public works department told this correspondent the then federal minister for Kashmir affairs and Northern Areas Tahir Iqbal had inaugurated the project costing Rs60 million some six years ago. They said contract was awarded to a company which failed to accomplish the project within stipulated time and dates were extended time and again enhancing cost of the project to Rs100 million. They said the Supreme Appellate Court took a sou motu action and ordered the contractor to construct the bridge or face confiscation of the property. Superintending Engineer Bashar atullah told reporters the last portion of the bridge was completed on Sunday and the bridge would be opened for traffic on April 25. BLASPHEMER INSANE: The father of the man who was arrested for uttering derogatory language against the Holy Prophet has said his son is suffering from mental ailment and is under treatment. The officials of city police station said the father of the accused produced documentary proof and examination reports of his son`s treatment. He said his son was abnormal and whatever he uttered was not an act of sane person. The police, however, said the blasphemer`s father would have to prove his position in court.