ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has sought assistance of the Pakistan Army to conduct by-polls in NA-18 Haripur after the Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s yesterday threating remarks to the local administrations of the district.
The electoral body also summoned the CM Sohail Afridi over his yestderday’s speech delivered at a public rally in Havelian, Abbottabad. The ECP said the chief minister allegedly threatened government employees during the address.
After a detailed meeting in Islamabad, the ECP issued a notice directing Afridi to appear in person and explain his remarks.
In its statement, the Commission said Afridi threatened the district administration, police and election staff in his speech. It added that a proclaimed offender was also seen standing with the chief minister at the rally.
The ECP warned that Afridi’s “irresponsible” comments have created difficulties for holding the by-election peacefully. It said the threats have put the lives of district officials, police, election staff and voters at risk.
The Commission also ordered the Provincial Election Commissioner to meet the Chief Secretary and the Inspector General of Police to review the situation.
It is pertinent to mention here that Sohail Afridi had earlier also issued controversial remarks regarding the Pakistan Army, which were condemned across the country.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has strongly criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over his recent remarks regarding Pakistan’s armed forces.
In his statement, Bugti said Afridi’s comments were disrespectful to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army and served only to please the country’s eternal enemies.
He stated that such irresponsible statements hurt the sentiments of national security institutions and the defenders of the country.
Bugti added that using political motives to act as a tool of the enemy is something no patriotic Pakistani would ever do.
According to the Balochistan Chief Minister, the KP Chief Minister is solely concerned with the release of Imran Khan and shows no regard for national borders or internal security.
He said it would have been better if Afridi had worked alongside national security agencies to maintain peace and stability in his province.
It is worth noting that Afridi’s controversial statement was also condemned by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Atta Tarar, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry.
This is a developing story………….
