Bilawal breached ECP code of conduct: Haleem

Sindh Assembly opposition leader says presence of executive authority may affect LG polls

KARACHI:

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zaradri's address in Larkana on Tuesday during the local government campaign is against the code of conduct of the Election Commission of Pakistan, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Leader of Opposition in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh.

Though Bilawal spoke at his mother's birth anniversary, his presence and that of other ministers could have an impact on the LG polls, Haleem said in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner.

"Being a parliamentarian of PTI and Leader of the Opposition in Sindh Assembly I would like to inform you about violations of code of conduct issued by Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for Local Government Election 2022 in Sindh," Haleem wrote.

ECP barred executive authorities from announcing development projects or using state resources to influence polls in favour of a candidate and ECP also barred transfers and postings of government officers and officials.

Despite ECP's orders the Sindh government issued transfer and posting orders in different district, he said adding that PPP announced a political gathering in Larkana where Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed the public.

Meanwhile provincial ministers of Sindh are also taking part in LG election campaign without any fear and executive authorities of Sindh government are announcing development projects and using state resources to influence the LG polls. Haleem reminded that ECP issued a show-cause notice to the ex-PM Imran Khan in 2019 when he visited Ghotki to condole the death of federal minister for Ali Mohammad Mahar. It is therefore requested that action should be taken against Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for this clear breach of code of conduct issued by ECP.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2022.