Pakistan Election Commission imposes fine on PM Imran Khan for violating poll code

Islamabad: Pakistan’s top election body has imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Prime Minister Imran Khan for violating the election code of conduct by addressing a rally in Swat ahead of the local government election in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had on 15 March barred him from visiting Swat to address a public rally, but the premier ignored the directives and addressed a rally a day later, the Express Tribune reported. According to the new ECP code of conduct, no public office holder can visit the districts where elections are being held. The second phase of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local government elections is scheduled for 31 March. The ECP had twice issued notices to Khan for violating the code of conduct. The last notice was sent on 21 March for addressing a political rally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Malakand area. The Prime Minister and Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar had filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the notices. According to the petition, The notices have been issued despite new legislation regarding the election campaign. However, the IHC had refused to restrain the ECP from proceeding against the Prime Minister, saying the commission had a mandate to devise a code of conduct for transparent elections. The ECP has banned PM Khan from attending meetings during the second phase of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa local government elections. Read all the Latest News , Trending News ,  Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .