An unhappy ECP : PTI in hot water over rally in PK-8

Replies sought from IGP and CS for use of govt resources for ruling party’s rally

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan, who has been speaking and struggling for free and fair polls, violated the election code of conduct himself on Monday by holding a rally in PK-8. By-polls are scheduled in the constituency on May 12, 2016.

The returning officer of PK-8, Inayatullah Khan Wazir, told The Express Tribune the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had served a notice to Imran, telling him to avoid holding a rally in PK-8 since it will be in violation of the code of conduct.

“We have served notices to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazalur Rahman and PTI Chairperson Imran Khan,” Wazir said. He confirmed the PTI supremo violated the code of conduct and he would write against him to the ECP for further proceedings.

Wazir also served notices to the K-P inspector general of police and chief secretary for helping with arrangements ahead of the rally on Monday.

According to notifications issued by PK-8 returning officer—a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune—the IGP and chief secretary were asked to take note of the use of government resources to fund political gatherings. The notice clearly called it a violation of the code of conduct and of the rule of law.

Getting the ball rolling

Awami National Party submitted an application to the ECP in Islamabad over the alleged use of provincial government’s funds to campaign for a PTI candidate and hold a rally in Khazana area of PK-8.

ANP has requested the ECP to take action against the blatant violation of the elections rule and regulations by K-P’s ruling party. It claimed PTI used government resources. The returning officer sought an explanation from the IGP and CS over the use of government resources for a PTI rally.

The ECP earlier called Adviser to Prime Minister on Federal Departments in K-P Amir Muqam on Sunday, to explain his reported violation of the election code of conduct. The complaints were dispelled after the PML-N leader assured his full cooperation and support.

Similarly, the ECP summoned Peshawar district nazim Muhammad Asim Khan for also violating the commission’s code of conduct. However, the official failed to appear before the returning officer after which a letter was sent to the provincial elections commissioner. In it, Asim was accused of maintaining an “irresponsible attitude” towards the code of conduct of elections.

The ECP has sent notifications to the Peshawar deputy commissioner to inform the PTI and JUI-F chiefs to avoid violating the election code of conduct.

Wazir told The Express Tribune they will write to the chief election commissioner against the code of conduct violators. “The violation of code of conduct may lead to the cancellation or the disqualification of contesting candidate and public office holders’ slots,” he added.

Accusations fly

PPP’s K-P chapter accused PTI, PML-N and JUI-F of violating the election code of conduct by using government machinery.

He said the parties displayed huge billboards and held rallies for their campaign ahead of by-elections for PK-8.

PPP asked the ECP to take notice of the matter and hold elections under the supervision of Pakistan Army.

“Although notices were issued by ECP, the PTI chairman is holding public rallies,” said senior leader Humayun Khan. He was addressing reporters at Peshawar Press Club on Monday. “The PTI leadership is using government machinery as it wants to win this seat in any condition.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2016.