ECP, political parties to discuss code of conduct

Reserves ruling on plea for Imran’s removal

ISLAMABAD:

The ECP is preparing for an important meeting with political parties on Wednesday (today) at the ECP secretariat to discuss and finalise the draft code of conduct for the upcoming general elections.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja will preside over the meeting, which is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. ECP Secretary Omar Hameed and all provincial members of the commission will also be in attendance.

The meeting has been called under Section 233 of the Election Act 2017. Additionally, the draft Code of Conduct can also be accessed on the ECP's website at www.ecp.gov.pk.

PTI chief

The ECP has reserved its ruling on a plea seeking the removal of the PTI chief from the party's chairmanship and withdrawing the 'bat' as the election symbol for contesting polls.

A five-member commission of the top election body heard a number of pleas on Tuesday, with petitioner Khalid Mehmood Khan's counsel appearing before the commission.

Read Alvi calls for ‘forgiveness’ ahead of polls

During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel highlighted that the PTI chairman had been convicted in the Toshakhana case. He further pointed out that in the case of Nawaz Sharif, an order was issued by the Supreme Court.

In response, a member of the commission from Sindh inquired about the clauses in the Election Act pertaining to this matter. The counsel stated that while the Political Parties Act had a clause in this regard, the Election Act was silent on the issue.

Foreign funding

Another application listed for hearing seeks action against the PTI “as the party is still receiving funds from foreign entities". The petition is also moved by Khalid Mehmood Khan.

The petitioner requested time to present the evidence, which led to the members of the commission questioning why the petition was filed without any evidence.

Subsequently, the hearing of the case was adjourned until the first week of November.