ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday took notice of an alleged violation of the code of conduct by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar during by-election campaigning in NA-77 Gujranwala.

A press release issued by the electoral watchdog said that according to media reports, the minister visited the constituency by helicopter and addressed a campaign event for Rashid Basheer Virk, who is contesting elections in NA-77 (Gujranwala-I).

This violates a provision in the Code of Conduct, which bars public office holders, including federal ministers, from participating in campaign activities.

The statement said the ECP sought a report from the district monitoring officer and the district returning officer to inquire into the matter. It also directed the minister to appear before the commission in person.

The ECP added that the result of the constituency could be withheld until a final decision was made on the matter.

By-elections in NA-77 and Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203 (Sahiwal-VI) are scheduled for Nov 8, both of which fell vacant after the deaths of PML-N lawmakers.

NA-77 fell vacant following the death of five-time MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk on September 11 after a prolonged illness. His son, Rashid, is among the candidates contesting the by-election.