PESHAWAR, Nov 20 (APP): Spokesperson, Chief Minister’s Secretariat has claimed that failed attempt was being made to present the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s speech at the Abbottabad rally out of context. "The chief minister’s message was clear that there will be strict legal action over interference in the elections," said the spokesperson in a clarification statement here Thursday. He said interference in elections is a crime and the Chief …
Failed attempts being made to present CM KP’s statement in Abbottabad out of context: spokesman
PESHAWAR, Nov 20 (APP): Spokesperson, Chief Minister’s Secretariat has claimed that failed attempt was being made to present the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s speech at the Abbottabad rally out of context.
“The chief minister’s message was clear that there will be strict legal action over interference in the elections,” said the spokesperson in a clarification statement here Thursday.
He said interference in elections is a crime and the Chief Minister merely pointed out this legal reality.
He said that any illegal activity during the elections would be met with immediate and appropriate legal measures.
“The chief minister did not threaten anyone and the statement was solely about enforcing the law,” said the spokesperson.
He said honest officers are fully protected and only those who break the law will be held accountable.
He claimed that misrepresenting the Chief Minister’s statement is political point scoring and the provincial government will ensure transparent and impartial by-elections at all costs.
It may be mentioned here that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken strong notice of the alleged threatening remarks made by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi during a public gathering held in Havelian on Wednesday.
According to the ECP, the Chief Minister, in his address, issued intimidating statements targeting the district administration, police officials, and staff deployed for election duties.
He also incited the crowd present at the rally, which the Commission described as a highly irresponsible act on the part of the province’s chief executive.
The ECP stated that such behavior has not only jeopardized the conduct of peaceful by-elections in NA-18 Haripur, but has also put the lives of district administration officials, police personnel, election duty staff, and voters at risk.
Following the remarks, the Commission directed the Provincial Election Commissioner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to immediately hold a meeting with the Chief Secretary and the Inspector General of Police, ensure necessary security measures, and submit a detailed report to the ECP.
