The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday formally took notice of what it termed “irresponsible and provocative” remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during a public gathering in Havelian, Abbottabad. The comments were delivered on Wednesday during a campaign event for the NA-18 Haripur by-election scheduled for November 23.
According to an ECP press release, Afridi issued a stern warning to the district administration, police officials, and polling staff, cautioning them against any attempt to “manipulate or change” the results of the upcoming by-poll. The commission said the KP chief executive’s statements amounted to threats and incitement, putting the safety of election officials, security personnel, and voters at risk.
The electoral watchdog stated that Afridi’s conduct had “made holding a peaceful by-election in NA-18 Haripur difficult” and violated Section 170 of the Elections Act 2017 as well as Clauses 10 and 18 of the ECP’s Code of Conduct. The commission also issued notices to Afridi and Shehrnaz Omar Ayub — wife of PTI leader Omar Ayub and candidate for the NA-18 seat — summoning them on Friday for violating election laws.
Shehrnaz is contesting the seat vacated after Omar Ayub’s disqualification in August following his convictions related to the May 9, 2023 unrest.
The ECP said it had directed the provincial election commissioner to immediately meet KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the provincial police chief to review security arrangements and submit a detailed report. The commission warned that strict legal action would be taken against any individual or officeholder attempting to interfere in the electoral process. Similar directives were issued to Punjab authorities, where by-polls are also scheduled.
Additionally, the ECP wrote to Interior Secretary retired Captain Khurram Agha, requesting deployment of civil armed forces and the Pakistan Army to ensure “foolproof security” in NA-18. Secretary Omar Hamid Khan noted that Afridi had used “offensive language” that could intimidate election officials and hinder their duties.
In his speech, Afridi claimed the country was on the brink of a major political shift and accused state institutions of failing to uphold justice and democratic norms. He predicted a sweeping victory for Shehrnaz Ayub, asserting that there was “no real competition” in the upcoming poll. The rally was also addressed by PTI leaders including Omar Ayub, Senator Faisal Javed, MNA Junaid Akbar, MPA Iftikhar Khan Jadoon, former MNA Uzma Riaz, and Momina Basit.
