ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and candidate for NA-18 Haripur by-election Shehrnaz Umar Ayub on 21 November 2025 for violating the Elections Act 2017 and the code of conduct. The Commission has issued notices to both individuals.
The ECP had taken notice of the statements made by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during a public gathering in Havelian, where he threatened the district administration, police officials, and election staff. The Commission says Afridi also incited the crowd and the general public during his speech.
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In view of the seriousness of the situation, the ECP has also directed the Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to immediately meet with the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police and take necessary security measures. A detailed report is to be submitted to the Commission after these steps are implemented.
According to the ECP, a proclaimed offender (Omar Ayub), whose wife is contesting the election, was also present on stage with the chief minister. The Commission stated that the provincial chief executive’s irresponsible conduct has jeopardised the peaceful conduct of the NA-18 Haripur by-election, creating risks for the district administration, police, election duty staff, and voters.
The Commission has also decided to write to the Secretary of the Interior Ministry, instructing that foolproof security arrangements be made in the constituency with the assistance of federal security agencies. These measures aim to ensure the safety of the District Returning Officer, Returning Officers, polling staff, voters, and the general public. The movement of presiding officers and election material to and from polling stations and the RO office must also be fully secured.
The ECP further warned that any individual, public figure, or officeholder attempting to interfere with or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the by-election will face strict legal action. The Provincial Election Commissioner of Punjab has been issued similar directions, emphasising that any federal or provincial government official found violating the code of conduct or trying to influence the by-election will be dealt with according to the Constitution and the law.
