ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – WEB DESK: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reserved its verdict in the case against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over alleged violations of the code of conduct and intimidation of election officials.
The five-member commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner, heard the case following a notice by the ECP and a petition filed by Babar Nawaz. Legal representatives for Afridi and the petitioner presented their arguments before the commission.
ECP counsel Khurram Shehzad stated that the district administration and officers were operating under the commission during the by-election. He emphasized that threatening election staff amounts to intimidating the commission itself, a responsibility the judiciary has confirmed the ECP must uphold.
The counsel added that if found guilty, Afridi could face action for corrupt practices, suspension of membership, or even disqualification. Afridi’s lawyer, Ali Bukhari, argued that the commission has never ruled in favor of his client’s party and cited precedents involving Punjab’s Chief Minister.
Commission members discussed the nature of Afridi’s remarks, debating whether they constituted threats or political statements. The Chief Election Commissioner clarified that statements made as Chief Minister, whether in public gatherings or closed sessions, carry official weight.
After reviewing all arguments, the ECP reserved its decision, which could have significant political implications for the KPK Chief Minister.
