ISLAMABAD: The Elec­tion Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday summoned PTI Chairman Imran Khan to appear before it on Nov 1 for repeatedly violating the code of conduct in NA-45 Kur­ram. A notice has also been issued to a Khyber Pa­khtunkhwa minister who was also summoned on Nov 1.

Informed sources told Dawn that they have been warned through the notice that the candidate can be disqualified and the provincial minister proceeded against under Chapter 10 of the Elections Act over violation of the code of conduct.

Action has been taken by the ECP after receiving a report from District Moni­toring Officer (DMO) Abdul Rauf Khan who informed the commission that a fine of Rs30,000, imposed on KP Minister for Relief and Resettlement Moham­mad Iqbal over constant violations of the code of conduct, had not been deposited.

The provincial minister belongs to the PTI who will be contesting election from the constituency. The report accuses the minister of using official resources to influence the upcoming by-poll.

Under Article 218(3) of the Constitution, it is the duty of the ECP to organise and conduct the election and to make the arrangements necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law, and that corrupt practices are guarded against.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2022