Code of conduct: ECP issues showcause notice to PM Khan

KARACHI (92 News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued a showcause notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan for visiting Ghotki ahead of the NA-205 by-election in violation of the commission’s code of conduct. It is noteworthy that Imran Khan was in Ghotki on a visit that the ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said was to condole the death of former federal minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar. The notice was issued after a complaint was lodged by Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) NA-205 Ghotki-II candidate, Abdul Bari Pitafi. Pitafi contended that the prime minister’s visit had come nine days after the ECP notified the July 18 by-election and almost a month after the death of the former federal minister for narcotics control, who was elected from NA-205. “Being a member of the parliament and holding the chair of the prime minister, you [Imran] were fully aware of the announcement schedule of the by-election … which requires that you cannot visit the constituency in any manner,” the notice stated. It further asked the PM to explain his position within a week of receiving the notice, further warning that disciplinary action could be taken against him if he fails to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEVThHGFU8M He was accompanied by Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and Federal Ministers Fehmida Mirza Muhammad Mian Soomro and MNA Ghaus Bakhsh Mahar. It was also reported that the inclusion of Ali Ahmed Mahar, the son of Ali Mohammad Mahar, in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would be announced officially today. The reports also said that the premier will also meet the party and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leaders during his visit. It added that the matters related to by-polls on NA-205 will also be discussed. Strict security measures have been taken out in the wake of PM’s visit to the area.