ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday took notice of what it described as irresponsible remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi regarding the upcoming NA-18 Haripur by-election.
Speaking at a public gathering in Havelian, Abbottabad, Afridi delivered a strong warning to anyone attempting to interfere with or alter the by-election result scheduled for November 23.
In a press release, the ECP said Afridi had issued threats to the district administration, police and polling staff, while also provoking the public attending the rally and the wider population.
The commission stated that the chief minister’s behaviour had not only complicated efforts to ensure a peaceful by-election but also put the lives of officials, security personnel, polling staff and voters at risk.
The ECP has issued notices to CM Afridi and Shehrnaz Omar Ayub — the wife of PTI leader Omar Ayub — for violating the Elections Act 2017 and the code of conduct. Both have been summoned on Friday.
Shehrnaz is contesting for the NA-18 seat vacated after her husband’s disqualification in August.
The commission also directed the provincial election commissioner to urgently meet the KP chief secretary and police chief to put preventive measures in place and report back to the ECP.
During his speech, the KP CM claimed the country was nearing a major political turning point and accused state institutions of failing to uphold their duties. He said justice was being denied and democratic principles were being weakened.
Afridi urged institutions to meet their constitutional responsibilities and said powerful forces should understand the situation. He predicted a clear win for Shehrnaz, claiming there was no real competition in the by-election.
The rally was also addressed by PTI leaders including Omar Ayub, Senator Faisal Javed, MNA Junaid Akbar, MPA Iftikhar Khan Jadoon, former MNA Uzma Riaz and Momina Basit.
The NA-18 seat fell vacant following Ayub’s disqualification after his convictions in cases linked to the May 9, 2023 riots.
