Scrutiny of PA candidates' nomination papers underway.

ISLAMABAD -- Scrutiny of the Punjab Assembly candidates' nomination papers, including general seats and special seats for women and minorities, is underway on Saturday. The scrutiny of nomination papers of the candidates for 297 general seats, 66 reserved seats for women and eight minorities' seats, has been initiated from today.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has established an online Scrutiny Cell to provide legal assistance and support to 297 Returning Officers (ROs) during the rigorous scrutiny of nomination papers of candidates vying for provincial assembly seats of Punjab. The ECP spokesperson earlier said that the special software links several government agencies such as the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), PTCL, Wapda and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) with the Election Commission Secretariat. The Cell, tasked to work round the clock, was also equipped with fax, telephone, and internet facilities.

The necessary...