PESHAWAR: The ruling Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) committed more violations of the code of conduct during the campaign for local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) than other parties and independent candidates put together, according to a document prepared by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The total number of reported violations of the code was 154. The PTI was responsible for 87 (56.49 percent) of them while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz committed 10 (6.49pc).

The number of violations by the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) and the Jamaat-i-Islami stood at eight each (5.19pc).

The Pakistan Peoples Party committed four (2.59pc) violations.

The total number of violations of the code of conduct by other parties was 28 (18.18pc) and those by independents was nine (5.84pc).

Prime Minister Imran Khan and KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan topped the list of those who repeatedly violated the code of conduct despite warnings by the district monitoring officers.

Both of them addressed rallies in Lower Dir, Swat, Malakand and Mansehra on March 11, 16, 20 and 25 respectively and were fined Rs50,000 for three of the four violations. A decision on the Mansehra event is pending.

Federal Communications Minister Murad Saeed violated the code of conduct thrice. Since he participated in the rallies in Lower Dir, Swat and Malakand, a fine of Rs50,000 was imposed on him for each violation.

According to a summary released by the ECP, fines to the tune of Rs 1.876 million have so far been imposed on the violators.

The revised code of conduct was prepared by the ECP for the second phase of local government elections scheduled for Thursday (today).

The revised code bars holders of public offices from taking part in any election campaign. Among them are the President, the prime minister, the chairman and the deputy chairman of Senate, the speaker and the deputy speaker of the National Assembly as well as provincial assemblies, federal ministers, ministers of state, governors, chief ministers, provincial ministers and advisers to the prime minister.

Likewise, political parties and candidates have been barred from arranging public meetings, processions and car rallies, but they have been allowed to stage corner meetings.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 36 instances of violation by public office-holders were recorded. Sixteen of these violations were committed by MNAs, senators and MPAs, 86 by candidates and there were 16 instances of violation in the shape of posting and transfers despite a ban imposed by the commission.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2022