The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a critical statement regarding the upcoming NA-18 by-polls, citing concerns over the potential deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces. This decision was prompted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi's recent speech, where he allegedly threatened public officials and used provocative language. The ECP's letters to the Ministry of Defence and Interior highlight Afridi's speech at a public rally in Havelian, where he threatened district administration, police officers, and ECP officials involved in the November 23 by-election. The commission's concerns stem from Afridi's offensive language, which could hinder the effective performance of these officials. The situation is particularly sensitive due to the by-election in Chamba, near Havelian, where the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has nominated Shehrnaz Khan, the wife of former National Assembly opposition leader Omar Ayub. During his speech, CM Afridi warned of potential vote-rigging and the consequences of tampering with the people's mandate, urging voters to support PTI while cautioning the local administration and law-enforcement agencies against any manipulation of results. His remarks underscore a potential threat to democratic norms and the rule of law, leaving the ECP with no other option but to consider the deployment of additional security forces to ensure a fair and secure election process.
