The Election Commission of Pakistani (ECP) imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other party leaders for violating the code of conduct during their Peshawar rally.
Moreover, on failure in giving justification, the ECP imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 each on Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, members of the National Assembly Khurshid Shah and Abdul Qadir Patel.
According to the ECP, the PPP leaders violated section 30 of the Code of Conduct. The order states that no political leadership can participate in a public meeting after the announcement of the election schedule.
“The executive authorities in the federation and in the provinces and elected representatives of a local government shall neither use state resources in any constituency where an election is being held for the unfair advantage of a particular candidate or political party nor exercise undue influence affecting the interest of a candidate or party for participating in any election,” the Code of Conduct says.
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However, PPP leaders addressed a public meeting for its 54th Foundation Day in Peshawar. The meeting came despite the announcement of LG polls scheduled for December 19 in 17 districts of KP. Therefore, the ECP took notice.
Attended 54th Foundation day of PPP at Peshawar. Chairman PPP @BBhuttoZardari addressed to public. People across Pakistan joined the Jalsa & reiterated Bhuttoist philosophy. #ہم_پاکستان_پیپلزپارٹی_ہین PYO city Mirokhan pic.twitter.com/V01o9Okje8
— Irfan Ali Tunio (@IrfanAliTunio16) December 3, 2021
ECP warns PM Khan
Important to note, earlier, the ECP also warned PM Khan not to violate the code of conduct. PM Khan had planned a visit to Peshawar for the launch of the Pakistan Card initiative. Taking notice of the visit, ECP warned that the Commission would take legal action under the Election Act, 2017.
“…you are advised not to violate any provision of the Code of Conduct and instructions issued by the Election Commission otherwise legal proceedings under Section 233 and 234 of the Elections Act 2017 shall be initiated against you,” the ECP notice said.
In the light of LG elections @ECP_Pakistan advised @ImranKhanPTI not to visit Peshawar today pic.twitter.com/3IanCGMNe7
— Muhammad Faheem (@MeFaheem) December 8, 2021
Interestingly, PM Khan paid no heed to the ECP’s warnings. He arrived in Peshawar and launched the Kamyaab Pakistan initiative.
Under the Kamyab Pakistan Programme, the insurance initiative will provide free medical services worth Rs1 million annually to 7.5m families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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