Peshawar (The COW News Digital)Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Soheil Afridi has denied issuing any threats to government officials, insisting that his remarks were taken “out of context” and misrepresented in the media. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Afridi clarified that he had never instructed the police or any state institution to support a particular candidate during elections. Instead, he said he had only ordered authorities to prevent electoral malpractice and ensure a fair process.
Afridi emphasized that he had not threatened anyone and argued that his comments were twisted for political purposes. His statement comes amid heightened scrutiny from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which issued a notice after the chief minister’s alleged warning to state employees surfaced in media reports.
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The controversy stems from a recent public gathering in Abbottabad, where Afridi was quoted as warning the administration and police that if “any unrest occurs on election day, you will not remain in your positions by night.” The ECP took strong notice of the remarks, describing them as threatening and inappropriate, particularly coming from a provincial chief executive.
The ECP has asked the secretaries of Defence and Interior to review the matter and address concerns regarding threats to government employees. According to an ECP spokesperson, Afridi’s “irresponsible behavior” has created significant risks for the administration, polling staff, and voters ahead of the NA-18 by-election. The spokesperson warned that such statements undermine the security environment and may jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the polls.
In response, Afridi asserted that he is being unfairly targeted for merely voicing concerns about electoral integrity. He added that whenever he speaks openly, cases are registered against him, creating hurdles in his political work. He also expressed frustration over being denied a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, despite having court orders permitting the visit. Afridi claimed that even though he formally requested the Prime Minister on day one to facilitate the meeting, the federal government failed to act.
The ECP has directed district returning officers, returning officers, and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict security for polling staff, including presiding officers during their movement to and from polling stations. The Commission also warned that any attempt by a public office holder to interfere in the electoral process would lead to stringent legal action.
The matter continues to fuel political tension in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the by-election approaches, with the ECP urging all stakeholders to prioritize law, order, and transparency.
