PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): The Peshawar High Court (PHC) is expected to announce its decision today on a petition filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi challenging Election Commission of Pakistan proceedings over an alleged violation of the electoral code of conduct in the NA-18 Haripur by-election.
The ECP initiated proceedings against Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI candidate Shahnaz Umar Ayub in connection with alleged violations during the by-election held last November.
Afridi challenged the ECP notice before the Peshawar High Court. His counsel has argued that the speech forming the basis of the proceedings was delivered in Havelian, Abbottabad, outside the geographical boundaries of NA-18 Haripur, and therefore questioned the ECP’s jurisdiction in the matter.
The PHC had previously restrained the ECP from announcing any final adverse decision against the chief minister while allowing the Commission to continue with the inquiry and hearings.
The court’s decision today could determine whether the existing stay remains in place or is vacated, allowing the ECP to proceed towards a final decision in the case.
The proceedings are being closely watched as any eventual finding against the chief minister could have political and legal implications.
