ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and candidate Shehrnaz Umar Ayub to appear before the Commission on Friday, November 21, 2025, over alleged violations of the Elections Act 2017 and the electoral code of conduct.
According to the ECP spokesman on Thursday, the Commission took notice of Afridi’s remarks at a public gathering in Havelian, where he threatened the district administration, police, and polling staff, while inciting the crowd. It was further observed that a proclaimed offender was present on stage alongside him, whose wife is contesting the upcoming election.
The Commission warned that any public figure or officeholder found interfering with the peaceful conduct of the NA-18 Haripur by-election will face strict legal action. Afridi’s actions, it noted, disrupted the electoral process and endangered the safety of officials, polling staff, and voters.
In response, the ECP directed the Provincial Election Commissioner of KP to meet with the Chief Secretary and Inspector General, implement security measures, and submit a report. A letter has also been sent to the Federal Ministry of Interior, urging foolproof security arrangements in NA-18 Haripur with federal agency support to protect election staff, voters, and ensure safe transfer of polling materials.
Additionally, the Provincial Election Commissioner of Punjab has been instructed to take strict action against any government official found violating the code of conduct or attempting to influence the by-election.