No bad-mouthing other nations: EC

In another move aimed at restricting political freedom ahead of the October polls, Pakistan’s Election Commission has proposed a new code of conduct barring political parties from criticising other countries during poll campaigns.

‘‘It would create hatred and affect Pakistan’s relations with the country,’’ a government official was quoted as saying by The News on Friday. The new rule outraged political parties who charged that it barred hardline religious parties from campaigning against the US.

Reports said over 80 per cent of lawmakers elected to Parliament and four provincial assemblies during the past 15 years would not be eligible this year due to a rule announced by Musharraf which states all contestants must have bachelor degrees.