PML-N’s Bilal Chaudhry apologises after ECP halts NA-96 by-election results

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has halted the formal notification of Bilal Chaudhry, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate who won the NA-96 by-election in Faisalabad, following a case related to alleged violations of the election code of conduct.

Bilal Chaudhry filed a formal application with the ECP, pleading for the case to be resolved quickly. He explained that he was unable to appear in person due to “post-election matters,” and his lawyer requested a one-day exemption from personal appearance.

According to his statement, he offered an “unconditional apology” for missing in-person proceedings, and urged the commission to expedite the hearing “for the sake of justice.”

At the same time, the underlying case involves Talal Chaudhry, Bilal’s brother and Minister of State for Interior. The ECP’s legal team disclosed that three separate complaints were filed alleging Talal’s breach of the election code during his brother’s campaign. On November 20, the ECP reportedly fined Talal Chaudhry Rs50,000 for repeated violations.

During the ECP hearing, which was led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, Talal Chaudhry did not attend personally and instead sent his legal representative. The ECP granted an exemption for that day but made clear that the notification of Bilal Chaudhry’s victory would remain suspended until further review.

“The commission is not disqualifying Bilal Chaudhry at this stage,” CEC Raja stated, “we are only stopping the notification.” The case has been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for December 2.