Tuesday, May 6, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 29, 1429    

Delay in by-polls on Rehman’s suggestion: Hoti
I did nothing wrong, says Rehman

Observer Report

Peshawar—Chief Minister NWFP, Amir Haider Hoti Monday said he proposed postponement of by-polls after receiving a word from Advisor to Prime Minister, Rehman Malik.

According to a local TV channel an official hand out proposed a short delay in by- elections. Rehman Malik said in the above handout that the three provinces have agreed to put off the by-polls and NWFP should also follow suit.

The Chief Minister NWFP said Rehman Malik talked to him on telephone. He said the federal government and not the provincial ones made the decision for postponement of by-polls.

Meanwhle, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik says he did nothing wrong in connection with postponement of by-elections.

He said this while replying to newsmen questions here on Monday night. When his attention was drawn towards NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti’s statement saying that NWFP Govt suggested delay in by-polls after receiving telephone call from PM’s Advisor on Interior, Rehman Malik said he would give his comments after reading his statement.