ECP takes notice of K-P CM's remarks

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of allegedly threatening remarks made by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi against government officials deployed for a by-election.

The CM, who belongs to the PTI, is supposed to appear before the commission at 12pm today (Friday). Addressing a rally in Abbottabad, Sohail Afridi had said that on November 23, the PTI candidate, wife of Omar Ayub, would win with 200,000 votes.

Warning the administration and police, he had reportedly said that if there was any misconduct on election day, they would not remain in their positions by nightfall.

In a meeting, held under the chairmanship of the chief election commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja, the ECP took notice of the statement. It also issued notices to CM Afridi and NA-18 candidate Shehrnaz Omar. It also directed the Provincial Election Commissioner to hold a meeting with the chief secretary and the K-P inspector general of police.

According to the ECP, due to the irresponsible conduct of the provincial chief executive, it has become difficult to hold a peaceful by-election in NA-18 Haripur.

The commission stated that the situation has put at risk the safety of the district administration, police, polling staff, and voters.

Commenting on the development in an official statement issued by the CM's secretariat, a spokesperson stated that Afridi's remarks were being taken out of context. He said there is a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the CM's remarks made during his Abbottabad rally.

The chief minister's message was clear—there would be strict 'legal action' in case of election interference, he said.

He said interference in elections is a crime, and the CM merely pointed out this legal reality. Any illegal act during the election will be met with immediate and appropriate legal measures.

The spokesperson said the CM did not threaten any individual; he only emphasized the enforcement of the law. Honest officers are fully protected, and only those who break the law will be answerable.

Giving a negative twist to the CM's remarks is political point-scoring. The provincial government will ensure free, fair, and impartial by-elections at all costs, he added.