ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has called an emergency meeting to examine controversial remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during a by-election campaign in Havellian. The Commission is reviewing whether the statements, deemed threatening and hostile, violated the election code of conduct.
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Afridi, addressing a public gathering, allegedly made comments aimed at influencing government officials on election duty. Sources within the ECP noted that his remarks could amount to intimidation, raising concerns about the neutrality of administrative staff overseeing the by-election.
The Commission emphasized that no public official, including a sitting chief minister, can interfere with election staff or attempt to sway the electoral process. The emergency session will review recordings of Afridi’s speech and determine whether a formal notice or disciplinary action is warranted.
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Authorities warned that if such behaviour goes unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. The ECP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process and addressing any threats to impartiality under the law.