Peshawar (The COW News Digital) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi today in connection with a case involving alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct. An interim order has also been issued against the Chief Minister in the ongoing case, signaling heightened scrutiny over adherence to election rules.
The interim order states that Chief Minister Afridi was required to appear personally before the commission. However, the Chief Minister was represented by Ali Bukhari, who requested an exemption for Afridi to appear in person. The ECP granted this request for one day, and the next hearing has been scheduled for today at 12 noon.
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Meanwhile, the Peshawar High Court has accepted a petition filed by CM Afridi challenging the ECP’s notice summoning him. The court will hear the petition today, providing the provincial leader an opportunity to contest the legal validity of the ECP’s summons.
In his petition, Afridi argued that the Election Commission’s decision to summon the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unlawful. He requested that the notice be declared invalid and that the ECP be restrained from taking any further action against him. The legal challenge underscores the complex interplay between electoral regulations and political authority in the province.
The case comes at a sensitive time as Pakistan gears up for upcoming elections, with strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct being a priority for the commission. Violations of these rules can result in penalties ranging from fines to disqualification, depending on the severity of the offense.
Observers note that the matter has significant political implications, as the proceedings are closely watched by opposition parties and civil society alike. The outcome of both the ECP hearing and the High Court petition could set important precedents regarding the accountability of elected officials and the limits of the Election Commission’s authority.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on today’s hearings, which are expected to determine whether the Chief Minister must personally respond to the allegations or whether legal exemptions will allow him to defer his appearance. Both proceedings highlight the judiciary’s critical role in ensuring that electoral laws are applied fairly and transparently.
