ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday issued an advisory ahead of the general election 2024, instructing government employees, including officers, to refrain from participating in political activities.

The ECP said that the government officials were prohibited from engaging in election activities, and the officials seeking leave must obtain permission from returning officers (ROs), while district officers must seek permission from district returning officers (DROs).

According to the ECP advisory, federal government employees up to Grade-19 can have their leave sanctioned by DROs. Officers in Grade-20 and above must obtain leave approval directly from the commission.

Meanwhile, the ECP also issued instructions regarding canvassing through banners, posters and handbills, with a complete ban on wall chalking of any size.

Officials seeking leave must obtain permission from ROs, DROs

The ECP said that violations will be treated as illegal practices, and under no circumstances should the picture of a government official be printed on any publicity material by any political party, candidate, or election agent.

In case of violations, strict legal action shall be taken against printing presses that do not comply with the above directions. The election commission directed all provinces and the federal capital territory regarding the sizes and other details related to canvassing material.

As a result, the ICT administration and the provinces have directed the districts to strictly comply with the instructions, warning that non-compliance would lead to legal action.

The ECP stated that no person or political party will affix or distribute posters, handbills, pamphlets, leaflets, banners, or portraits larger than the sizes prescribed by the ECP.

The ECP notification said: “Violation will be treated as an illegal practice, in order to preserve the sanctity of Holy Quranic verses, the sayings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), or holy scriptures pertaining to other religions, the political parties, candidates, and election agents are expected to avoid the printing thereof on aforesaid publicity material.”

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2023