Sheikh Rashid issued show-cause notice over ECP code violation

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed for violating its code of conduct for October 14 by-elections.

The Commission observed that the minister has violated the code of conduct on a number of occasions and directed him to submit his response within 48 hours.

Mr Rashid is the third federal minister who has been issued a show-cause notice over violation of the ECP code.

Earlier, federal ministers Fawad Chaudhry and Ghulam Sarwar Khan were served show-cause notices by the returning officer (RO) of PP-27, Jhelum, over reported violation of the ECP code of conduct.

The federal ministers have been accused of visiting and announcing development schemes in the provincial assembly constituency ahead of the October 14 by-elections.

The notices stated that their visits are clear violation of Section 233 of the Election Act, 2017, and subsequent code of conduct that clearly bars visits of ministers etc and announcement or inauguration of developmental schemes in the constituency where election schedule has been announced.

Both the ministers are required to appear in person or through their counsel on October 9 at 11 am to explain their position.