KARACHI: A day after the Election Commission of Pakistan issued a notice to Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab for violating its code of conduct, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday came up with a complaint against him and the Sindh governor, asking the poll supervisory body to “temporarily remove” them from their offices to ensure free, fair and impartial elections.

PTI-Karachi president Khurrum Sher Zaman, who is also contesting the Feb 8 elections from NA-241, accused him and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori of indulging in activities tantamount to violation of the ECP’s code of conduct.

In a formal complaint sent to the provincial election commissioner, the PTI leader contended that both the governor and mayor were engaging in activities that violate the code of conduct of the ECP, undermining the principles of a fair and impartial electoral process.

In light of these serious allegations, Mr Sher Zaman called upon the ECP to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

Khurram Sher Zaman questions their neutrality, seeks their ‘temporary removal’

He also urged the commission to take immediate action, including the “temporary removal” of mayor of Karachi and governor of Sindh from their offices until the investigation was concluded.

“Furthermore, it is requested that the offices of Mayor Karachi and Governor Sindh be sealed to prevent any further misuse of their positions for political gains until the conclusion of the electoral process on February 8,” he urged.

He asked the ECP to ensure a level-playing field for all political parties and take immediate and decisive action to investigate these allegations thoroughly.

“Upholding the principles of democracy is paramount to him,” he said and added that any violation of the ECP code of conduct must be addressed promptly to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

Mayor submits reply to ECP

On his part, Mayor Wahab filed his reply to the ECP in response to its notice he received on Friday. Taking notice of his press conference, Joint Election Commissioner, Ali Asghar Sial had issued the mayor a show cause notice asking him to clarify his position as his media talk was an attempt to influence the results of the Feb 8 elections.

However, Mayor Wahab stated in his reply that the press conference was not meant to violate any set rule as it was solely focused on public issues.

“The January 26 press conference was about public issues. I never took part in any election campaign and have been following the set code of conduct in line with the true spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan. I assure the ECP that I am not part of any candidate’s election campaign nor I would do that [during the ongoing electioneering],” he added.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2024

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