ECP Issues Notices to Punjab Ministers for Election Code Violations Ahead of By-Polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued show-cause notices to Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Huzaifa Rehman for allegedly violating the election code of conduct ahead of the Punjab by-elections. Punjab Election Commissioner Sharifullah confirmed the enforcement actions, emphasizing that federal ministers and cabinet advisers are strictly barred from participating in political campaigns under the Election Act 2017.

A spokesperson for the provincial election commission stated that both Leghari and Rehman were directed to submit written explanations regarding their conduct. Dera Ghazi Khan district monitoring officers reported that Leghari breached official directives by actively participating in the campaign of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Mahmood Leghari in the NA-185 constituency. Monitoring officials added that SAPM Rehman was similarly cited for attempting to participate in PML-N campaign activities in violation of regulatory rules.

In a related enforcement action in Faisalabad, district monitoring officials fined State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry Rs50,000 for persistent breaches of the election rules. Election officials noted that Chaudhry had received verbal warnings and two prior formal notices but failed to comply with statutory guidelines. The district monitoring officer has referred Chaudhry's case to the primary election watchdog for further disciplinary proceedings.

The election body reiterated that all official campaigning across six National Assembly and seven provincial assembly constituencies in Punjab must officially conclude at midnight on November 21. Authorities warned that candidates and government officials who continue political activities past the deadline will face severe legal consequences. Under the provisions of the Election Act 2017, individuals found guilty of violating campaign regulations face potential penalties including up to two years in prison, a fine of up to Rs100,000, or both.

Polling is scheduled to take place on November 23, with administrative and security preparations nearly finalized across the province. The National Assembly constituencies holding by-polls include NA-18 Haripur, NA-96 Faisalabad-II, NA-104 Faisalabad-X, NA-129 Lahore-XIII, NA-143 Sahiwal-III, and NA-185 D.G. Khan-II. The provincial seats being contested comprise PP-73 Sargodha-III, PP-87 Mianwali-III, PP-98 Faisalabad-I, PP-115 Faisalabad-XVIII, PP-116 Faisalabad-XIX, PP-203 Sahiwal-VI, and PP-269 Muzaffargarh-II.

The election commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and impartial elections, warning that swift measures will continue to be taken against any public office holders attempting to influence the electoral outcome.

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