NA-120: ECP warns PML-N leader of disqualification over code of conduct violation

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) warned Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin on Tuesday that it would issue a show-cause notice for the latter's disqualification if he is found violating the ECP's code of conduct while campaigning for PML-N candidate Kulsoom Nawaz for the NA-120 by-election.

The election for Lahore's NA-120 constituency is set to take place on September 17.

PML-N leader Bilal Yasin.— Courtesy: na.gov.pk

Headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) retired Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza, a two-member ECP bench had taken up the complaint filed by an election monitoring team against the alleged violation of code of conduct by Yasin, who was elected as an MNA from NA-120 on a PML-N ticket in the 2008 general elections.

The CEC expressed anger at Yasin's absence during the hearing, warning that the commission would issue a show-cause notice for the minister's disqualification in the next hearing if he is found violating the code of conduct.

Even Yasin's lawyer Shahzad Shaukat did not appear before the ECP. Instead, the lawyer's associate showed up before the bench, which irked the CEC.

The PML-N has been treating the code of conduct frivolously, Justice Raza said, observing that violation of the code by the ruling party would give licence to others to do the same.

The bench asked the minister to submit a reply in this regard by September 7.

The ECP had earlier issued notices to PML-N's Pervaiz Malik, Bilal Yasin, Majid Zahoor and retired Capt Safdar (son-in-law of Kulsoom Nawaz), accusing the ministers and MPAs of using state machinery and violating the ECP’s code of conduct while campaigning for Kulsoom, who is getting treatment in London for lymphoma.

Despite notices from the ECP, ministers Yasin and Malik and MPA Majid Zahoor were attending the meetings chaired by Maryam Nawaz and also running the party’s election campaign in NA-120 over the weekend.

The NA-120 seat fell vacant because of the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case.

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Fawad

Sep 05, 2017 12:26pm

he is presented in election campaign with Marium safdar (footing available on all electronic media)

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Talha

Sep 05, 2017 12:35pm

I don't think that PML N pays any heed to laws, rules and institutions governing laws. They do anything and everything that they want to do and get away with it like no one can.

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leoman

Sep 05, 2017 12:38pm

let us pray that we all show some respect to the law of the country so that at least we may not be termed as the enemies of Pakistan. Being real patriotic and loyal of the country means we must abide by the law of the state in any any matter whosoever we are.

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Khalid M Rehman

Sep 05, 2017 12:42pm

N league ministers must be stopped for com paining otherwise PTI will come to break this too.

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Asad

Sep 05, 2017 12:47pm

I wonder what else evidence EC needs when the pictures and video recording is available all over print and electronic media? If EC was really serious, it should have by now taken action! This same PML-N would cry foul when it would be in opposition and the then government will be violating election code of conduct. It's a pitty that most of our political leadership has double standards and utter disrespect for the rule of law.

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Sep 05, 2017 12:51pm

In my view, nothing will happen, as ECP warnings are just routine words without any serious consequences. All this is, because, most of the top jobs in ECP are selectee by PMLN and they expect special favours from them - i.e. you scratch my back, I will scratch yours!

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Hasnain Haque

Sep 05, 2017 12:56pm

How can this be a fair election when jobs are being given out to PMLN workers, all state machinery in full action, intimidation, coercion, bribery and nepotism being used at all levels by the PMLN. It seems no one cares, show cause notices are ignored, violations are being carried out openly. Only in Pakistan.

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Hasnain Haque

Sep 05, 2017 12:57pm

I wish someone had the courage to stand up against these mafia and feudal families and say enough is enough.

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Hasnain Haque

Sep 05, 2017 12:57pm

Why people of Pakistan and in particular constituents of NA 120 don't rise and say enough is enough?.

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Mustafa

Sep 05, 2017 01:17pm

Same ECP was silent for 3+ years on Imran Khan for undeclared foreign funding. Diff rules based on personal likes/dislikes!!!

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Sep 05, 2017 01:25pm

As usual, PMLN will try every dirty trick in the book to influence and win the NA-120 election, including offering money, jobs and unmerited promotions. Is this type of democracy we want in our country? This is the question and test for all of us!

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Muhammad Ali

Sep 05, 2017 01:30pm

Discard all people from this government, this has hit rock bottom and we need a fresh start desperately.

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Fareed N

Sep 05, 2017 01:36pm

No wonder PTI does not have playing field, state machinery is being used ruthlessly in the favour of Mrs. Sharif. Accused minister and his chief lawyer did not show in the hearing. ECP better show some bite.

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Ibrar Malik

Sep 05, 2017 02:04pm

In spite of all the evidence of N league violating election code of ethics, ECP will not do anything in the end. Just a notice here and there. How can this be called a levelled playing field for opposition parties.

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Irfan

Sep 05, 2017 02:21pm

He is just a front man. You book him and he will spit out the names behind. BUT these people are always protected by the big shots.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Sep 05, 2017 02:25pm

In the ranks and columns of the Kingdom of Iteefaq group and its cronies, who cares for ECP code of conduct?

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Kirby

Sep 05, 2017 03:37pm

As Mr. Hassan Nisar said recently and I am paraphrasing - if Mrs. Nawaz Sharif wins the NA-120 then people of Pakistan might as well be handed to the King Nawaz as his "Rayaaya" (subjects). He also said that if elections were held today then the same "gang" will come back to power!!!! What a shame for my beloved Pakistan!!!!! A Pardesee!!!!

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izharulhaqadeeb

Sep 05, 2017 03:39pm

Too late and too little. Even the firing squads were allowed a number of times. Civil work was allowed and remains unabated. This election has already created poisoners atmosphere in the minds of other parties. NADARA has also to be blamed for confusion created. This election will certainly be challenged as the event of day to day are taking place.

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M.Saeed

Sep 05, 2017 03:50pm

@Hasnain Haque, can you quote a single instance when all such illegalities were not being committed before?

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Amir

Sep 05, 2017 03:51pm

Kulsoom should be disqualified from running in nA 120 when it is evident this is happening. would send the right message for future miscreants. but CEC is puppet of PMLN, this could also be a show for all that they are fair.

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izharulhaqadeeb

Sep 05, 2017 03:52pm

It is a test of CEC. Apparently EC had been so lax that PML N leaders have done their job. How Many Jobs ? Is it not rigging. Disqualify the candidate otherwise a storm and back lash is in store.

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Arsalan

Sep 05, 2017 03:52pm

I believe all nepotistic parties (Chaudries/Sharifs/Zardaris) should be removed completely, because as long as either of them is in power everything will remain same, we need new blood new ideas and most importantly people who are educated, honest and aren't thieves. And most importantly ALL POLITICIANS SHOULD BE TREATED AS CIVIL SERVANTS AND NOTHING MORE.

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Muhammed Ali UK

Sep 05, 2017 04:26pm

PLM-N dont have to appear before the courts, we have seen it with the clan now the lesser ones are following suit..

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babajee

Sep 05, 2017 04:35pm

@Arsalan I fully agree with you however would like the names of Asfandyar wali, moulvi Fazal ur Rehman,and Achakzai`s and similar turn coats should also be included.

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Saad saeed

Sep 05, 2017 04:35pm

A further notice should be issued to the chief minister from whose cabinet this food minister hails.

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Dr Khan

Sep 05, 2017 04:41pm

All PMLN public office holders should be disqualified if they are involved compaigning for Kulsoom Nawaz.

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Shahid

Sep 05, 2017 04:48pm

Had ECP any regard for its own CoC for electioneering by parties, agents and so called politicians, it would have passed a judgement by now and not merely went on threatening with what it knows it will not do. The election date is not far and violations including at the GoP level have been taking place every passing moment. That is why elections and election results are not credible at all. It is grand wastage of trust, time and money.

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Shan

Sep 05, 2017 04:54pm

ECP should know better that N-league is not some PTI they can go to any means necessary if needed.

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Azmeen

Sep 05, 2017 05:00pm

@Talha Really? Even after Panama case decision of SC.

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Salim Khan

Sep 05, 2017 05:40pm

There should be no warning but straight disqualification. The ECP is a bunch of stooges and have no authority.

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Hasnain Haque

Sep 05, 2017 05:49pm

@Mustafa Do you really know the evidence against foreign funding, have you actually looked at the evidence?

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Asif A Shah

Sep 05, 2017 05:50pm

In Pakistan, at almost all levels, there exists a huge gap between Code of Conduct and actual practice. ECP should not wait for September 17,2017, election results at NA- 120 to make a decision whether to issue a Show Cause Notice to anybody found violating the Code of Conduct. It should not be intimidated by PML-N's government in Punjab and at the Federal level. The enforcement of the laws and the Code of Conduct should be without fear or favor; and it should be across the board.

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Hasnain Haque

Sep 05, 2017 05:51pm

@M.Saeed They have always been committed and guess why because only these two families have been in power who are both corrupt.

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Syed Imran

Sep 05, 2017 08:24pm

@Hasnain Haque beacuse they are being "Bribed" with promises, lies and funds ! Money talks my friend and power corrupts GOT IT??t

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Tahir

Sep 05, 2017 08:40pm

How many notices issued by ECP to IK? Did he comply