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ECP Takes Notice of KP CM Sohail Afridi’s Remarks on NA-18 By-Poll
ECP has taken notice of KP CM Sohail Afridi’s “irresponsible” remarks about the NA-18 Haripur by-poll, issuing notices to him and Shehrnaz Omar Ayub for violating election laws. Security forces may be deployed to ensure peaceful polling.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-20
ECP Takes Notice of KP CM Sohail Afridi’s Remarks on NA-18 By-Poll

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday took serious notice of what it described as “irresponsible and threatening” remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during a political rally ahead of the NA-18 Haripur by-election scheduled for November 23.

Speaking at a public gathering in Havelian, Abbottabad, the KP chief minister had warned officials against any attempts to “manipulate or change” the by-election results. The ECP, in a formal statement, said Afridi’s remarks amounted to threats against district administration officials, police personnel, and election staff, and also incited the public.

ECP Issues Notices, Cites Violations of Election Law

The electoral watchdog has issued notices to both CM Afridi and Shehrnaz Omar Ayub, the PTI-backed candidate for NA-18 and wife of disqualified PTI leader Omar Ayub. Both have been summoned on Friday for alleged violations of the Elections Act 2017 and the ECP’s Code of Conduct.

The ECP said the KP CM’s comments had jeopardised the prospects of a peaceful election in Haripur and created potential risks for election duty staff and voters. Afridi’s remarks were cited as a direct violation of Section 170 of the Elections Act 2017 and Clauses 10 and 18 of the Code of Conduct.

Security Measures Sought Ahead of Polling

The ECP has also directed the KP chief secretary and inspector general of police to immediately coordinate preventive measures and report back to the commission. In a separate letter to the interior ministry, the ECP requested deployment of civil armed forces and the Pakistan Army for “foolproof security arrangements” to ensure peaceful polling.

The commission noted that CM Afridi used “offensive language” that could intimidate or influence election officials, potentially hindering the performance of their duties.

Afridi’s Speech and PTI Rally

In his speech, Afridi criticised state institutions, accusing them of failing to uphold justice and democratic values. He claimed that Pakistan was on the verge of a “major political development,” and predicted a decisive victory for PTI-backed candidate Shehrnaz Omar Ayub. The rally was also addressed by several PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub, Senator Faisal Javed, MNA Junaid Akbar, MPA Iftikhar Khan Jadoon, Uzma Riaz, and Momina Basit.

NA-18 Contest: Shehrnaz vs Babar Nawaz

Shehrnaz Ayub, contesting an election for the first time, is running in place of her husband, who was disqualified in August after convictions linked to the May 9 riots. Despite being wanted by police in Punjab, Omar Ayub continues to manage her campaign.

The constituency is shaping up to be a competitive fight between Shehrnaz and PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan, a former MNA who has rallied strong party backing. Retired Captain Safdar Awan, husband of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, has announced major development projects for Haripur—including a 100-bed hospital, a stadium, a women’s university, a Daanish School, and infrastructure upgrades—approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Observers say Haripur’s politics remain deeply rooted in patronage networks, noting that the district has never elected a woman to the provincial or national assembly in a direct vote.
Tagged:

PTI

ECP

NA18Haripur

SohailAfridi

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