The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the recent statements by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The electoral body called an urgent meeting to examine the situation, the private media channel reported on Thursday.
According to the media report, the electoral body will review the possible legal action over the remarks given by CM KP during a political rally in Havellian.
The controversy started when Sohail Afridi delivered a speech in Havellian during a political gathering, as a campaign for the by-election was going on in the district. The media report confirmed that the Chief Minister used threatening language against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to pressure government employees on election duty.
According to the ECP, the tone and content of CM KP raised concerns, particularly because of his position as provincial head.
As per the initial investigation, Sohail Afridi gave several remarks related to the duties of government employees appointed for the by-election. ECP also confirmed that these remarks are more like threats to put pressure on government officials.
The ECP said that the language CM Afridi used during a political gathering is a direct violation of the election code of conduct.
Several government authorities aware of the issue also said that the electoral body is more concerned due to Afridi’s official position as Chief Minister.
The ECP has firmly said that no public official, including CM Sohail Afridi, can interfere in the electoral process or threaten election staff in any capacity. The recordings of the Afridi’s Speech will be reviewed by the ECP in an emergency meeting, and then the Election Commission will decide about legal action against CM KP.
