ECP Reserves Verdict in Sohail Afridi Election Code Case has become one of the most searched political updates today, attracting nationwide attention as the Election Commission of Pakistan intensifies its scrutiny of election code violations. The Commission reviewed allegations that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi violated the election code during recent political activities.
ECP Reviews Code Violation Allegations Against Sohail Afridi
The Election Commission heard the case before a five member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. Sohail Afridi appeared in person and responded to the allegations. The case emerged after claims that he breached the election code during campaign events.
The lawyer for the PML N candidate insisted that the ECP holds complete authority under Article 218 3 of the Constitution. He urged strict action against Afridi for the alleged violation. ECP officials confirmed that several applications had been filed against the Chief Minister, increasing pressure on the Commission to act decisively.
Afridi’s lawyer, Ali Bukhari, requested that all four related cases be combined into one proceeding. One case is with the District Returning Officer while the remaining three are with the Election Commission. He argued that merging the cases would ensure transparency and reduce duplication.
During the hearing, the defense questioned whether making speeches outside a constituency could be labeled pre poll rigging. He described the allegation as a new political trend. The Chief Election Commissioner noted the argument and confirmed that the Commission would issue appropriate orders.
ECP Reserves the Decision
After the proceedings, the ECP reserved its verdict. The final ruling will be announced later. Political analysts expect the decision to become a major talking point due to its impact on ongoing election activities.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi approached the Peshawar High Court to challenge an ECP notice over alleged election code violations. The case was heard by Justices Arshad Ali and Waqar Ahmed.
Afridi’s lawyer argued that the ECP issued the notice prematurely. The bench observed that the ECP had not yet taken formal action and advised Afridi to allow the Commission to complete its process first.
The ECP’s lawyer emphasized that intimidating election staff is a serious violation of the code. He urged the court to allow the Commission to continue its proceedings without interruption. Afridi’s counsel requested that the ECP avoid issuing a final order until the High Court completes its review.
The PHC then reserved its decision. This development follows a separate case from last week in which Afridi received exemption from personal appearance in another ECP hearing. That matter involved allegations of threats to government employees and included NA 18 candidate Shehrnaz Bano.
