LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a notice to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan for taking part in electioneering for PML-N candidate in Faisalabad by-poll Abid Sher Ali.

The body has also sought disciplinary action against the deputy medical superintendent of the Multan Cardiology Hospital for running the election campaign of PTI candidate Mehar Bano Qureshi.

The notice was issued by the district monitoring officer to Rana Sana on a complaint filed by a voter of National Assembly’s constituency NA-108, Faisalabad-VIII, where the by-polls are to be held on Sept 25.

The complainant alleged that the interior minister took part in door-to-door campaign and corner meetings of Abid Sher Ali on Monday in violation of the Section-233 of the Elections Act 2017, which bars public office-holders from taking part in electioneering in any manner.

Rana Sana was directed to appear before the monitoring officer as well as submit a written statement on Wednesday to clarify his position vis-à-vis the allegation.

Meanwhile, the Multan district monitoring officer issued a directive to the specialised healthcare and medical education, south Punjab secretary, for immediately suspending Dr Farhan, deputy medical superintendent of Multan Cardiology Hospital, for running door-to-door election campaign of PTI candidate for NA-157 Mehar Bano Qureshi, the daughter of ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The secretary was also asked to initiate disciplinary action against Dr Farhan for misuse of his office as the election authority would never ignore any violation of the election code of conduct.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2022