News Desk |
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s has submitted a response to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s show-cause notice saying he had not taken part in any political activity or addressed the media during his recent visit to Ghotki.
ECP had issued notice after the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate in NA-205 Ghotki-II Abdul Bari Pitafi lodged a complaint against PM Khan, who visited the constituency to condole the death of former federal minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar. He passed away at the age of 52 on May 21.
While submitting reply through his counsel, PM Khan has called the petition “baseless, false and concocted”. His counsel has requested ECP to withdraw June-19 notification and provide a copy of the petition and oath statement of the petitioner to the respondent [him].
The July 18 by-poll will witness a one-on-one contest between the PPP and the Grand Democratic Alliance candidate, Ahmed Ali Mahar, who is supported by the PTI.
“We hold the complete authority to initiate legal actions against the aforementioned person over registering a false and baseless statement against the premier,” he said.
ECP puts PM Khan on Notice for Violating Code of Conduct
ECP had issued the show-cause notice to PM Khan for violation of the commission’s code of conduct by visiting Ghotki ahead of the by-election.
In the complaint, PPP’s candidate Pitafi had contended that PM Khan’s visit had come nine days after the ECP notified the July 18 by-election and almost a month after the death of the former federal minister for narcotics control.
He had maintained that PM violated election rules by visiting the constituency and requested ECP to take action against PM and the federal ministers, as well as the election candidate from the Mahar family, over the visit.
Read more: PM Khan put on notice for visiting Ghotki ahead of by-elections
“Being a member of the parliament and holding the chair of the prime minister, you [Imran] were fully aware of the announcement schedule of the by-election … which requires that you cannot visit the constituency in any manner,” read the ECP’s notice.
The poll body had directed PM Khan to explain his position within a week of receiving the notice, further warning that disciplinary action could be taken against him if he fails to do so.
The July 18 by-poll will witness a one-on-one contest between the PPP and the Grand Democratic Alliance candidate, Ahmed Ali Mahar, who is supported by the PTI.
ECP Accepts Imran’s Apology for Violating Secrecy of Ballot
Earlier, ECP had accepted Imran Khan’s apology for violating the secrecy of the ballot on election day and withdrew its notice against him — removing one hurdle from the PTI chairman’s path in taking the oath as the prime minister.
Read more: ECP show mettle against abusing politicians
On July 25, 2018, Khan had cast his vote at a polling station of NA-53 (Islamabad) where he defeated former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The TV footage showed Khan publicly stamping his ballot paper on the presiding officer’s table.