The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a formal notice to Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar over alleged violations of the election Code of Conduct during the NA-168 Bahawalpur by-election.
The notice was issued by the District Monitoring Officer (DMO) Bahawalpur following a complaint submitted by Muhammad Bilal Baloch. The complaint alleges that the Deputy Speaker participated in election campaign activities and allegedly misused his official position in the constituency.
According to the notice, concerns have been raised over the alleged use of public office and government resources to provide an undue electoral advantage to a candidate contesting the NA-168 by-election.
The complaint reportedly alleges that Channar participated in campaign-related activities despite holding a public office. It also raises questions about the alleged use of government machinery and state resources during the election period.
The District Monitoring Officer has sought a comprehensive explanation and factual report from the Deputy Speaker. Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar has been asked to clarify his position and provide relevant information regarding the allegations mentioned in the complaint.
Legal Provisions Cited by ECP
The notice refers to Section 233 of the Election Act, 2017, along with relevant provisions of the Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission for by-elections.
Under the electoral Code of Conduct, public office holders are required to maintain neutrality during the election process. The rules also prohibit the use of official positions, government machinery and state resources in a manner that could provide an electoral advantage to any candidate.
These restrictions are intended to ensure a level playing field for all contestants and prevent government influence from affecting the electoral process.
Explanation Sought From Deputy Speaker
The notice is part of the ECP’s monitoring process for examining alleged violations of electoral laws and its Code of Conduct. The Deputy Speaker has been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and present his version of events.
The issuance of the notice does not establish that an electoral violation has occurred. The allegations will be assessed based on the explanation provided by the concerned official and any available evidence.
If the ECP determines that the Code of Conduct or relevant provisions of the Election Act were violated, further proceedings may be initiated in accordance with the law.
The matter has attracted attention because of the political significance of the NA-168 Bahawalpur by-election and the ECP’s responsibility to ensure neutrality and fairness during the electoral process.
Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, who is associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), had not issued a formal response to the allegations at the time of publication.
The ECP proceedings will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and whether further action is warranted under the applicable electoral laws and regulations.
