ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has taken notice of Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi’s recent remarks. Afridi warned the polling staff at a public rally in Havelian about the upcoming NA-18 Haripur by-election, scheduled to take place on November 23.
The ECP said Afridi threatened officials responsible for conducting the polls, adding his comments incited the public and compromised their safety. The commission warned that his behaviour could disrupt the peaceful organisation of the by-election.
Notices Issued for Violations of Election Laws
The ECP issued notices to CM Afridi and Shehrnaz Omar Ayub for violating election laws. Shehrnaz is the PTI-backed candidate for NA-18. She is contesting the seat vacated after her husband’s disqualification in August. The notices cite violations of the Elections Act 2017 and the ECP Code of Conduct. Both individuals have been summoned for tomorrow. The ECP directed the provincial election commissioner to meet the KP chief secretary and the police chief. It ordered them to take precautionary measures and submit a timely report.
Call for Security Reinforcement Ahead of Polling Day
The ECP stressed that Afridi’s comments contradicted Section 170 of the Elections Act 2017. It also said his remarks violated Clauses 10 and 18 of the Code of Conduct. The commission warned that strict legal action would follow any attempt to influence or disrupt the electoral process. It issued similar instructions to the Punjab election commissioner, as by-polls are also scheduled there. The ECP also wrote to the interior secretary seeking deployment of civil armed forces and the Pakistan Army. It said these steps would ensure foolproof security in the constituency.
Afridi Accuses Institutions of Failing Responsibilities
During his speech, Afridi alleged that state institutions failed to fulfil their constitutional duties. He said the country was approaching a major political turning point. Afridi claimed justice was being denied and democratic values were under threat. He predicted a decisive victory for Shehrnaz and dismissed the possibility of close competition. Several PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub, Senator Faisal Javed and Junaid Akbar, also addressed the rally.
Shehrnaz Faces Tough Contest Against PML-N’s Babar Nawaz
Shehrnaz is contesting her first election under PTI’s banner. Her husband is running her campaign despite being wanted by Punjab police. She faces PML-N candidate Babar Nawaz Khan in Haripur. Babar previously served as MNA from 2015 to 2018. He has gained support from PML-N leadership, including Captain Safdar Awan. Safdar announced development projects for Pehdiyan village using Punjab’s funds. He also said PM Shehbaz Sharif approved several schemes for Haripur. Observers say Haripur politics remains driven by patronage rather than ideology. They note that no woman has ever won a direct seat from the district.
