The three contenders of the NA-120 by-polls will continue campaigning on Thursday despite the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) warning that any rallies held within the constituency will be considered a violation of the code of conduct.
In a letter to the government of Punjab, the ECP directed authorities to ensure that no political conventions or processions are held in the constituency on September 14 ─ three days ahead of the by-poll.
Letters were also sent to the Punjab chief secretary and the inspector general of police, asking them to ensure the implementation of the code of conduct in the constituency, a press release from the ECP announced.
According to the press release, "any convention and procession within the constituency will be in violation of the ECP's code of conduct."
Despite ECP's notice, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), PML-N and PPP are set to hold conventions, corner meetings and rallies in the constituency today.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan is expected to lead a rally from Charing Cross to Data Darbar. The route of the “Karo Faisla Tabdeeli Ka” rally falls within the said constituency.
However, in a statement, the PTI has said that the purpose of the rally is for the PTI chief to offer his respects at Data Darbar. The PTI announced that "it will abide by the ECP's code of conduct."
The PTI's statement further added that the ECP's letter has nothing to do with the PTI chief's programme, adding that Khan will carry out his political activities outside the NA-120 constituency.
The PPP, too, has announced a rally from Tample Road to Mazang, which will be attended by several prominent PPP leaders, including Qamar Zaman Qaira, Nayyar Bukhari, Nadeem Afzal Chan.
The PPP's candidate Faisal Mir, while talking to Dawn.com, rejected the ECP order, adding that the party will proceed with its scheduled rallies. "Resistance will be offered if the rally is intercepted," Mir said.
The PML-N also plans to hold a women convention at Aiwan-i-Iqbal, near Mall Road, besides holding corner meetings in the constituency. Maryam Nawaz is set to address the corner meetings and the convention.
