[poispanna]

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry remarked that slapping of an election official is more serious issue than killing of a youth at the hands of Rangers in Karachi, Geo News reported.

A three member bench of the Supreme Court is hearing a suo moto notice of an incident where Waheeda Shah, the Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) candidate, slapped an assistant presiding officer at a polling station during the by-polls.

The CJ while referring towards IG Sindh said do not take this issue lightly as it could happen to you as well.

The court has sought report from the police and Election Commission regarding the incident.

After the hearing, Secretary Election Commission Ishtiaq Ahmed told journalists that he has decided to quit the post and has sent his resignation to the Chief Election Commissioner yesterday.

Secretary Election Commission told the court that the name of school teacher is Shagufta, a summary trial is being conducted. We have summoned the concerned parties and police.

Waheeda Shah offered apology during the proceedings and said whatever happened was unintentional. Waheeda said: "I have not hired any lawyer and I hope that the court will do justice".

Anita Turab, a petitioner in the case said such incidents occur on daily basis, as a result, government employees feel insecure.

Later the hearing was adjourned till March 12.

The Chief Justice, while taking notice of the incident, had summoned Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sindh, Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Waheeda Shah, the PPP candidate, on March 2.

The Election Commission of Pakistan had earlier withheld the result of by-election for PS-53, the constituency where the incident took place. A case had also been registered against Shah on the directives of the Election Commission.