PESHAWAR: The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court challenging the Election Commission’s summons. Meanwhile, the electoral body granted one-day exemption from personal attendance to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during a hearing concerning alleged threats to government employees.
The petition states that the Election Commission summoned the chief minister “without any reason or legal basis.” It says the summons were issued on the basis of “various allegations” that the chief minister denies.
The petition argues that the Election Commission’s action is illegal and violates Articles 9, 10-A, 17 and 25 of the Constitution.
The chief minister says he did not campaign for anyone and did not violate any election rules.
The petition asks the court to declare the Election Commission’s summons unlawful and to bar the Commission from taking any action against the chief minister.
Yesterday, the ECP had 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.
