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ECP may allow senators, LG representatives to campaign for their parties

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  • Public-office holders cannot participate in election campaign.
  • An assembly speaker can campaign in his own constituency only.
  • Ban on public meetings in a constituency before 48 hours of polling.

ISLAMABAD: As the country gears up for the February 8 national elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is finalising the code of conduct according to which senators and local government representatives may be allowed to campaign for their parties, reported The News on Friday.

According to the draft of the ECP guidelines, the lawmakers will have to strictly abide by the directions, instructions and regulations, and violations would result in legal consequences, including contempt proceedings under Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017.

The conduct also makes it liable for political parties, candidates and election agents to restrain their workers from exerting undue pressure on print and electronic media, including newspapers’ offices and printing presses, or resorting to violence against journalists.

The electoral watchdog has also suggested a complete ban on carrying and displaying all kinds of weapons and firearms in public meetings, processions, polling day and until 24 hours after the returning officers have consolidated the official results.

Violation will be treated as an illegal practice. The condition will not apply to guards of political parties’ leaders or candidates, but they will need a valid license for carrying weapons and prior permission from the authority concerned.

All types of firing, including aerial firing, use of crackers or other explosives at public meetings and at or near polling stations by any person, has been prohibited.

The public-office holders — president, prime minister, Senate chairman/deputy chairman, assembly speaker/deputy speaker, federal ministers, ministers of state, governors, chief ministers, provincial ministers, advisors to the PM, mayor/chairman/nazim and their deputies — cannot participate in the election campaign in any manner. The restriction will also be applicable to the caretaker setup.

An assembly speaker can campaign in his own constituency if he is a candidate, however, he will not use official protocol/resources.

There will be a complete ban on convening, holding or attending any public meeting, or promoting or joining in any procession, within the area of a constituency before 48 hours of the conclusion of polling. All election campaigns would have to be concluded before the said hours.

A political party needs to take necessary steps to keep discipline within the party, its candidates, employees and supporters and guide them to follow the laws and regulations.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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