ECP seeks footage of Imran’s speeches

Commission refutes PTI chairman’s recent allegations; says its CEC has no need to meet PML-N leaders behind curtains

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday took notice of the recent allegations hurled against it by PTI chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan and sought footage of his recent speeches from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) chairman.

A day earlier while addressing a rally in Jhang in connection with the upcoming by-elections in 20 constituencies in Punjab, Imran had claimed that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had met with PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz.

He had also added that his party was up against the Sharif family, ECP and dissident party members in the by-elections scheduled to take place on July 17.

During a meeting presided over by the CEC, the participants termed the allegations baseless.

The commission also rejected a similar claim made by PTI leader and former human rights minister Shireen Mazari.

The commission has written a letter to the Pemra chairman seeking the record of the speeches delivered by the ex-premier.

It has told the Pemra chairman to provide footage of Imran’s speech in the Bhakkar rally in which he had maintained that “thieves” had joined hands with the commission to rig the Punjab by-polls. “Pakistanis should be aware of these thieves who come forth to rig the elections.”

Read PTI moves ECP against ‘pre-poll rigging’ in Punjab by-polls

The commission has also directed the Pemra chairman to hand over the record of the speech delivered by the PTI chairman in Layyah. It has also sought the record of the speech delivered by Imran in Khushab in which he had claimed a “man based in Lahore” was “trying to help the PML-N win the 20 by-election seats”.

It was noted that the CEC had no reason to hold a clandestine meeting with the two PML-N leaders.

The ECP noted that the political parties should not drag the commission into their personal rivalries and all of them were equal in the eyes of the electoral watchdog.

The commission’s spokesperson said the ECP would continue to play its constitutional role without any fear.

“Politicians themselves come to meet the chief election commissioner. It is very easy to make allegations, so if there is any evidence, bring it forward,” he added.

The spokesperson further said the ECP's returning officers in Punjab, monitoring teams and the provincial election commissioner had been directed to remain vigilant.

Security agencies have been asked to play their effective role for peaceful polling.

The spokesperson reiterated that the ECP would continue to play its constitutional role without provocation and pressure and ensure transparent by-elections in Punjab.