ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday issued an interim order requiring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to appear in person at the next hearing of a case concerning violations of the electoral code of conduct. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
During the proceedings, Afridi’s counsel, Ali Bukhari, requested exemption from the day’s appearance, which the commission granted. The case stems from remarks made by Afridi at a public gathering in Abbottabad’s Havelian on Wednesday, ahead of the NA-18 Haripur by-election scheduled for November 23.
The ECP noted that Afridi’s statements included warnings to officials and staff deployed for the election, and public comments that were deemed to have the potential to influence the polling process. In a press release, the commission described the remarks as “irresponsible” and said they had taken cognisance of the incident under the provisions of the Election Act.
The ECP’s direction for Afridi to appear in person underscores the body’s intent to ensure strict adherence to electoral regulations and prevent any actions that may compromise the neutrality of the election process.
