By IANS
Islamabad : The Election Commission has pulled up the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) for a controversial advertisement asking non-Sindhis to demand compensation for losses suffered during the riots that engulfed the province after the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
“Yes we have sought explanation from (PML-Q president) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on the advertisements that appeared in some newspapers,” the Dawn Wednesday quoted Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) secretary Mohammad Dilshad as saying.
The explanation was sought following a letter written by caretaker Minister for Human Rights Ansar Ahmed Burney to the commission about the advertisements, describing them as being aimed against the people of Sind.
Burney had also met Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Mohammad Farooq to draw his attention to some PML-Q statements fanning parochialism and especially the “highly objectionable advertisements”.
“During the meeting, the minister urged the CEC to take notice of the advertisements which, according to him, smacked of prejudice and could spark hatred,” the Dawn said.
The advertisements had asked all non-Sindhis living in Sind to provide details of losses they suffered during the riots.
“However, after a strong public reaction from the public the PML-Q removed the term non-Sindhis from the advertisement, suggesting that Sindhis also could apply for the same,” the Dawn said.
The PML-Q had ruled the country till last month and gave way to a caretaker dispensation after general elections were announced. The poll was to be held Jan 8 but was deferred to Feb 18 following Bhutto’s assassination.