ECP seeks a detailed explanation from Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar over allegations of campaign activity and misuse of official resources during the NA-168 Bahawalpur by-election.
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a formal notice to Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar over allegations of violating the election Code of Conduct during the NA-168 Bahawalpur by-election.
The notice was issued by the District Monitoring Officer (DMO) Bahawalpur following a complaint filed by Muhammad Bilal Baloch, who alleged that Channar participated in election campaign activities and misused his official position in the constituency.
According to the notice, the complaint raises allegations regarding the use of public office and government resources to allegedly provide an undue advantage to a candidate contesting the by-election.
The complaint also alleges that the deputy speaker participated in campaign-related activities despite holding a public office. Questions have additionally been raised over the alleged use of government machinery and state resources during the election period.
Taking notice of the complaint, the DMO has sought a comprehensive explanation and factual report from Channar. The deputy speaker has been asked to clarify his position and provide relevant information concerning the allegations.
Legal provisions cited
The ECP notice cites Section 233 of the Election Act, 2017, along with relevant provisions of the Code of Conduct issued for by-elections.
The electoral code requires public office holders to maintain neutrality during the election process and prohibits the use of official positions, government machinery or state resources to provide an electoral advantage to any candidate.
The restrictions are aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all contestants and preventing government influence from affecting the electoral process.
The ECP monitoring process allows election authorities to examine complaints and seek explanations from individuals accused of violating electoral rules. Any further action would depend on the response submitted by the concerned official and the evidence available to the commission.
The issuance of the notice does not establish that a violation has occurred. The allegations remain subject to examination by the relevant election authorities.
If the ECP determines that the response is unsatisfactory and that the Code of Conduct or applicable provisions of the Election Act were violated, further proceedings may be initiated in accordance with the law.
The matter comes amid the ECP’s monitoring of the NA-168 Bahawalpur by-election, where maintaining neutrality among public office holders and preventing the use of state resources for electoral purposes remain key requirements.
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