Firdous Ashiq Awan issues apology amid slapping allegations

SIALKOT: The incident involving Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, leader of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), allegedly slapping a policeman on polling day has stirred controversy and prompted an official inquiry.

A two-member commission, led by retired Justice Akramullah from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is currently overseeing the investigation into the matter.

Awan has expressed regret and offered an apology to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) following the incident. She explained her actions, stating that the policeman was obstructing her from casting her vote, which led her to file a complaint with the presiding officer. However, she claimed that her grievances were ignored.

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During the proceedings, a member of the Punjab’s commission questioned whether resorting to physical violence was justified if one’s complaints were not being addressed. Awan firmly denied slapping the policeman.

Despite her denial, the ECP presented video evidence of the alleged altercation in the courtroom, prompting Awan to request the playback of additional footage she provided.

In response, a member of the Election Commission said that if she had any grievances, she should register her complaints through proper channels.

Police officials reported that apart from specific polling stations, voting occurred peacefully throughout the region.

A formal written response has been requested from Firdous Ashiq Awan by February 15 regarding the incident involving the alleged assault on the policeman.

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Speaking to media outside ECP, she said that she appeared on the notice of the election commission. “Our lawyers requested to be given a copy of the report on which the ECP summoned us. They accepted our request and have asked for a written response by the 15th [Feb]”, she added.

Awan said, “The police officers in my constituency were made into hostages. We never took the law into our hands,” adding, “A conclusion cannot be drawn on the basis of a single video. In the video we have, the police can be seen to be just silent spectators”.