KP CM Sohail Afridi moves Peshawar High Court against ECP notice

WEB DESK: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court challenging a notice issued to him by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The court has reserved its decision on the matter.

The hearing was conducted by Justices Arshad Ali and Waqar Ahmed. Afridi’s lawyer told the bench that the ECP had issued the notice citing alleged violations of the code of conduct during a speech, claiming that the Chief Minister used threatening language. The notice also referenced Section 234 of the Election Act, alleging procedural breaches. Afridi had reportedly stated in his speech that action would be taken against anyone involved in electoral fraud.

Justice Waqar Ahmed remarked that the ECP had not yet taken any formal action against Afridi. “Since you have joined the ECP proceedings, you should wait for the outcome,” he added. Justice Arshad Ali observed that the petitioner is creating problems for himself and advised him to approach the court only if adverse action is taken by the commission.

The ECP’s lawyer noted that intimidating commission staff also constitutes a violation of the code of conduct and urged the petitioner to await the commission’s final decision. Afridi’s counsel requested that the ECP proceed with its process but refrain from issuing a final order until the matter is reviewed.

The Peshawar High Court has reserved its judgment, and parties will await further directions on the matter.

Last week, the ECP granted Afridi exemption from personal attendance in a hearing over alleged threats to government employees during the election campaign. Afridi was represented by his lawyer, who cited prior commitments and maintained limited direct contact with the Chief Minister. The case also involves candidate Shehrnaz Bano, wife of NA-18 Haripur contestant Omar Ayub, for similar alleged violations. The ECP is investigating claims that Afridi and Bano intimidated staff, breaching the Election Code of Conduct, which prohibits public officials from coercing voters or election personnel. The proceedings are ongoing.