PESHAWAR: Despite being banned by the Regional Election Commissioner, Prime Minister reached Peshawar on a one-day visit on Wednesday.
The Regional Election Commissioner Peshawar wrote a letter to Prime Minister regarding his visit ahead of the Local government elections, asking him not to visit Peshawar as it would be violation of the election code of conduct. According to the Election Commission, violators of the election Code of Conduct can be prosecuted under Sections 233 and 234 of the Election Act.
A letter written by Regional Commissioner Saeed Ahmad Khan to the Prime Minister said that there are reports that you are visiting Peshawar to launch “New Pakistan Card” scheme, therefore you are advised not visit the city as it will violation the code of conduct of the Election Commission. The letter further states that legal action will be taken in violation of election code of conduct.
Yesterday, the newly appointed Special Assistant for KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the “new Pakistan Card” in Peshawar to provide relief to the masses against the inflation. Addressing a press conference, the advisor has said that it will be step forward towards the Islamic welfare state. He said that Ehsas Ration Program, Kisan Card, Health Card Plus will be part of the newly issues Pakistan card scheme.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education and archives Kamran Bangash said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Peshawar is of a “purely official nature”. Referring to the ECP’s notice on PM Imran Khan’s visit to Peshawar, Bangash said in his statement that it was part of the day-to-day affairs of the state and there should be no restriction on such visits. Bangash said that Prime Minister Imran Khan would only attend an official function at the Governor House, apart from which he would not attend any election or public gathering in Peshawar.
First phase of Local government elections are scheduled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Peshawar is also among the 17 districts where the LG polls scheduled on 19 December. After the announcement of the election schedule, the Prime Minister, President and other officials are not allowed to visit constituencies for any development scheme.