ISLAMABAD – Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s fiery remarks at a public rally, calling them irresponsible and threat to safety of voters and election staff.
Addressing supporters in Havelian, Abbottabad, CM Afridi issued stern warnings to anyone attempting to manipulate by-election scheduled for November 23. The electoral watchdog said that his comments, which targeted the district administration, police, and election officials, could jeopardize the conduct of a peaceful vote.
ECP summoned Afridi and PTI-backed candidate Shehrnaz Omar Ayub, wife of disqualified lawmaker Omar Ayub, for allegedly violating Elections Act 2017 and the Code of Conduct. Shehrnaz is contesting the seat left vacant after her husband’s disqualification over convictions linked to the May 9 riots.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure foolproof security. The provincial election commissioner will meet with KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and the police chief to implement precautionary measures, with reports to be submitted to the ECP. Civil armed forces and the Pakistan Army have also been requested to secure the constituency.
Afridi’s rally speech, termed by ECP as offensive and harassing, challenged state institutions for failing in their duties, warned powerful forces, and confidently predicted a landslide victory for Shehrnaz. Several PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub, Senator Faisal Javed, MNA Junaid Akbar, MPA Iftikhar Khan Jadoon, former MNA Uzma Riaz, and Momina Basit, joined him on stage.
The by-election is set to be fierce contest between PTI’s Shehrnaz and PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan. Observers say Haripur remains dominated by patronage politics rather than ideology. Babar has secured the backing of senior party figures, including retired Captain Safdar Awan, and Punjab’s government has announced major development projects for the constituency, including a 100-bed hospital, a stadium, a women’s university, a Daanish School, a bridge over Tarbela Lake, and job quotas.
Newly Elected KP CM Sohail Afridi already on No-Fly and Non-Filer List
