Imran to approach LHC over ECP's ban on by-election campaigning

PTI to file application with ECP, asking it to let Imran run campaign as he doesn't hold administrative govt position

Continuing his objection to the Election of Pakistan’s call for a ban on all parliamentarians from participating in by-election campaigns, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insab chief announced on Sunday he would approach the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the polling body’s directives.

The PTI chief also said he would file an application with the ECP regarding the matter.

“As a leader of a party, I want to convey my party’s manifesto to the masses and if am not allowed to do so, what kind of democracy is this?” Imran questioned.

The PTI will file an application with the ECP, asking the election body let Imran run the by-election campaign since he does not hold any administrative position in the government.

The PTI chief also announced that his party would hold a conference on October 4 to address the pressing issue.

Read: ECP notification: Lawmakers barred from visiting NA-122, NA-154

Earlier on September 16, the polls regulatory authority had barred all parliamentarians, including Imran Khan, from visiting and taking part in campaigning for by-elections in NA-122 (Lahore) and NA-154 (Lodhran-I) constituencies where tough competition is expected between PTI and PML-N.

The ECP had issued a notification asking all the members of parliament and provincial assemblies not to visit constituencies where by-elections are taking place. The directives are part of a new code of conduct the ECP issued recently.

Meanwhile, criticizing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the PTI chief alleged that Pakistan Steel Mills halted its operation because the Sharif family had their own steel business. “The Steel Mills were closed down because Sharif family wanted to expand their business.”

Earlier, PTI Punjab organiser Chaudhary Sarwar said his party would challenge the ECP order in the Supreme Court as well as with the ECP.