ECP summons KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over threats and poll violations

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi and NA-18 by-poll candidate Shehrnaz Umar Ayub on Friday over allegations of threatening government employees and violating the electoral code of conduct.

Notices for their appearance before the Election Commission have also been issued, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.

Meanwhile, amid the evolving situation in the constituency, the ECP has called in the Pakistan Army to ensure security during the NA-18 Haripur by-election.

In this regard, a formal letter has also been sent to the Secretary of Defence requesting the deployment of Civil Armed Forces in the constituency during the by-election procedure.

In a strongly worded statement, the Commission warned that any interference in the peaceful conduct of elections would result in strict legal action.

It stated that irresponsible behaviour had made it increasingly difficult to hold a peaceful by-election in Haripur, adding that the district administration, police force, election staff, and voters were facing heightened security risks.

The ECP directed the Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to immediately meet the Chief Secretary and the Inspector General of Police and present a security plan after implementing protective measures.

The Ministry of Interior has also been instructed to ensure foolproof security with the assistance of federal institutions, including special arrangements for the safe transport of presiding officers and election materials.

The Commission further ordered strict enforcement of the election code of conduct.

Earlier in the day, a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner reviewed the District Monitoring Officer’s report.

The session was attended by Commission members, the Secretary, the Special Secretary Law Wing, and other senior officials.

The ECP’s Legal Wing recommended action against the KP Chief Minister, and the Commission approved legal proceedings against Suhail Afridi.

According to sources, the decision was prompted by remarks made by the Chief Minister during a public gathering in Havelian, where he allegedly issued threatening statements about government employees. The ECP’s monitoring report formed the basis for initiating action.

Reporter: Usman Khan