• Home

Pakistan Association declares poll schedule

This year, voting will be done in person so as to avoid proxy. Until now, the 250 members of the association have been voting through post box balloting.

Addressing a Press conference at the premises on Saturday, the outgoing committee announced that September 23 was the last day for acquiring membership. Elections have been delayed by six months this year.

The committee, headed by outgoing president Shafi Samana, General Secretary Saleem Farooq and ex-president Irfan Elahi said that the committee had tried to increase membership by arranging several cultural, religious and educational programmes, but they had not succeeded in their mission.

They also said that the regular membership fees had been increased from Dh50 to Dh200 so as to avoid horse trading. Life time membership can be acquired for Dh1,000 which is valid for 10 years. Benefits for members include life insurance worth Dh25,000 - even for taxi drivers - and free educational, religious, sports and cultural activities.

Mr Samana said that the outgoing committee wished for transparent elections. "We regret that were unable to establish a multiple hall during our tenure due technical reasons. Secondly, we admit that we have not been able to increase the number of members," he said.

He also said that even after the committee was dissolved, the Welfare Wing of the association would continue its work.

On October 1, nomination papers will be received by the election committee from candidates for various posts. Votes will be cast on two days including October 10-12 and the results will be announced on October 13. The oath taking ceremony will be held at the centre on October 15. All members, residing in any emirate, can file papers for nomination to any post.

• UAE