ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan on Thursday issued revised code of conduct for holding next general elections.

Under this revised code of conduct, the political parties and candidates have been asked not to propagate any opinion, or act in any manner prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan, or the sovereignty, integrity or security of the country, or morality, or the maintenance of public order, or the integrity or independence of the judiciary of Pakistan, or which defames or brings into ridicule the judiciary or the armed forces of the country, as provided under article 63 of the constitution.

The revised code of conduct also calls upon the parties and candidates to abide by all the laws, rules, regulations and directions issued by the commission, from time to time, relating to smooth conduct of elections and the maintenance of public order.

The political parties and candidates shall at all times uphold the rights and freedom of the people of Pakistan as guaranteed by the constitution and the law.

All political parties, candidates and their supporters shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are offenses under the election laws, such as bribing of voters, intimidation and personation, canvassing within 400 yards of a polling station, including setting up of camps, and holding public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending at midnight following the conclusion of the poll for an election in the constituency.

Moreover, the commission has sent copies of the code of conduct to all the major political parties seeking their comments, suggestions and feedback.

The ECP has requested all the political parties to send their comments within two weeks to the commission and in case no comments are received from the parties, it will be assumed that they have agreed with the draft code of conduct.