ECP summons Information Minister Attaullah Tarar over code violation

Notice issued to federal minister

The ECP issued a notice to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar regarding his alleged participation in the election campaign for PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Warraich. According to media accounts, the federal minister traveled via helicopter through the constituency and joined a local event prior to the start of voting. The commission cited paragraphs 18 and 41 of its code of conduct which prohibit government functionaries from visiting constituencies where elections are scheduled. On November 8 at 11am, Tarar must present himself to the district monitoring officer to clarify his stance personally.

Candidate also summoned for invite

At the same time, the Election Commission sent a notice to PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Warraich regarding his invitation for the federal minister to join his campaign efforts. Warraich has been directed to submit an explanation at the same time as Tarar or face one-sided proceedings if he fails to appear. To probe the issue fully, the commission requested documentation from both the district monitoring officer and the district returning officer. The authorities insisted that adherence to the ethical guidelines would be guaranteed regardless of the expense throughout this electoral contest.

Results withheld pending inquiry

The ECP warned that the result of the NA-77 constituency may be withheld until a final decision is made on these allegations. By-elections are scheduled for November 8 in National Assembly constituency NA-77 and Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203 Sahiwal following the deaths of their respective lawmakers. The seat in Gujranwala became vacant after five-time MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk passed away on September 11 due to a prolonged illness. This upcoming vote marks the second electoral contest for PP-203 since the general elections held in 2024.