ECP reserves verdict on Sohail Afridi over election code violation

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reserved its decision in a case concerning a violation of the election code of conduct by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

A five-member bench, led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard the case, during which Sohail Afridi appeared before the commission. The case was filed following allegations that Afridi breached the code of conduct during election-related activities.

The lawyer representing the PML-N candidate argued that the commission has the authority to take action under Article 218-3 of the Constitution and urged strict action against Afridi.

ECP officials noted that multiple applications had been filed against the Chief Minister. Afridi’s lawyer, Ali Bukhari, requested that all four cases, one being processed at the District Returning Officer’s office and the others with the ECP, be consolidated into a single proceeding.

During the hearing, Afridi’s lawyer also questioned whether delivering speeches outside his constituency could be considered pre-poll rigging, calling it a “new tradition.” The CEC responded that the points had been noted and that the commission would issue appropriate orders.

After the proceedings, the Election Commission announced that it would reserve its decision on the matter, with the final ruling expected at a later date.

PHC ALSO RESERVED VERDICT

Earlier today, CM Afridi has approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC) to challenge a notice issued to him by the ECP over alleged violations of the election code of conduct. During the hearing before Justices Arshad Ali and Waqar Ahmed, Afridi’s lawyer argued that the notice was premature. The bench, however, noted that the ECP had not yet taken any formal action and advised Afridi to await the commission’s proceedings rather than seeking judicial intervention at this stage.

The ECP’s lawyer maintained that intimidating election staff is a serious offense under the code of conduct and urged the court to allow the commission to complete its process. Afridi’s counsel requested that while proceedings continue, no final order be issued until the court concludes its review.

The PHC also reserved its judgment. The development follows a similar case last week in which Afridi was granted exemption from personal appearance in an ECP hearing over alleged threats to government employees during the election campaign, a matter that also involves NA-18 candidate Shehrnaz Bano over related accusations.