An ECP spokesperson says irresponsible conduct of KP chief executive has created serious challenges for holding by-election, putting district administration, police, election staff and voters at risk
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Nov 20th, 2025) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken serious notice of alleged threats issued by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Suhail Afridi to government employees ahead of the NA-18 Haripur by-election and has directed the secretaries of Defence and Interior to act immediately.
An ECP spokesperson said the irresponsible conduct of the KP chief executive has created serious challenges for holding the by-election, putting the district administration, police, election staff and voters at risk.
The ECP emphasized that full security arrangements must be ensured for the district returning officer, returning officer, polling staff, voters, and the public. Measures include protection for presiding officers while moving to polling stations and during the return of election materials.
The commission warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to interfere with the peaceful conduct of the election.
Separately, the ECP wrote to KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, noting that the chief minister participated in an election campaign for the NA-18 candidate, who is the wife of PTI leader Omar Ayub. The commission said the chief minister’s speech violated the Election Act, which prohibits him from taking part in election campaigns. The letter also highlighted that Omar Ayub, a fugitive, was present alongside the chief minister during the speech.
The ECP has instructed the provincial election commissioner to meet with the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police to discuss the matter and submit a report to the commission for further action.
Additionally, the ECP secretary has written to the secretaries of Defence and Interior, warning that the chief minister’s actions have endangered the lives of election officials. The letters requested the deployment of civil armed forces and the Pakistan Army on 23 November to ensure a safe and peaceful by-election in NA-18 Haripur.
