K-P LG polls: ECP bars PM Imran from visiting Lower Dir

Decision comes in view of upcoming second phase of local bodies elections in K-P, scheduled to be held on March 27

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has restrained Prime Minister Imran Khan from visiting Lower Dir in view of the forthcoming second phase of the local bodies elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on March 27.

The top election organising body issued a notification on Monday, barring the premier from holding a rally in the K-P district on Thursday, Express News reported.

Lower Dir Election Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Tanoli has issued a notfication to his deputy, asking him to take effective steps to prevent the political gathering at the crucial juncture of the polls.

According to the statement, the people of the constituency will exercise their right to vote, stressing the premier couldn't visit the constituency after the authority has issued a schedule for the upcoming elections.

Also read: ECP sets March 27 for second phase of LG polls

The ECP termed it impossible to announce any development project or inauguration after the issuance of the schedule, saying doing so would be a violation of Election Rules 233 and 234.

Meanwhile, K-P Election Commissioner Muhammad Raziq has written to the secretaries of the Senate, the National Assembly and provincial assemblies, to brief the parliamentarians about the steps to ensure code of conduct during the polls.

It asked the parliamentarians to avoid visiting the constituencies where the elections are scheduled to take place.

It is pertinent to mention that Jamaat-e-Islami earlier announced to summon an all-parties conference and launch a full-fledged protest campaign against PM Imran's proposed visit and gathering.

A copy of the notification available with The Express Tribune