PESHAWAR: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has barred Prime Minister Imran Khan from rally in Lower Dir, saying that it would be a violation of election code of conduct.
The Election Commission has said that the decision was taken after consultation with the political parties. According to ECP under the revised rules for code of conduct, member of parliament will be allowed to participate in the election campaign however, office holders would not be allowed to participate in election campaign.
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Prime Minister Imran Khan was to address an election rally in Timergara, however, since the second phase of local government election is scheduled on 31 March, he was barred to hold the rallies and announce developmental schemes.
However, senator Faisal Javed said on Twitter that all the preparation have been completed and thousands of people have gathered in the ground to welcome Prime minister Imran Khan. He informed that PM would arrive at the Jalsa point in a short time.
The Election Commission said, “It is against the ruler and regulation to announce and inaugurate any development project after the issuance of election schedule. The visit of the prime minister will be a violation of Rules 233 and 234.”
Last year, before the first phase of LG election, the prime minister had ignored that ECP notification and paid visit to Peshawar. The Regional Election Commissioner Peshawar had 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 had made it clear the, violators of the election Code of Conduct can be prosecuted under Sections 233 and 234 of the Election Act.
However, the Prime minister had ignored that ECP notification and paid visit to Peshawar but the ECP could not take any action against him.