The Election Commission heard the case of violation of the code of conduct in the Gujranwala by-elections, a three-member bench headed by the Chief Election Commissioner heard the case.
Special Secretary Election Commission said that Information Minister Atta Tarar visited the constituency in a helicopter during the election campaign and addressed a public gathering, the Information Minister violated the Election Act and the code of conduct, the Election Commission can impose a sentence of up to two years.
The Chief Election Commissioner said that the Election Commission can issue orders to the Prime Minister and the government, the government cannot give instructions to the Election Commission, the federal government is not looking serious about the Islamabad local body elections, let me make it clear that the local body elections in Islamabad will definitely be held.
The Chief Election Commissioner remarked that how did the Prime Minister order that teachers’ election duties will not be imposed, where will the Election Commission get the staff from?
The Chief Election Commissioner reprimanded the members of the Punjab Assembly. The Chief Election Commissioner expressed his anger when Parliamentary Secretary Health Asma Abbasi smiled during the hearing and said that your Punjab Assembly seat may also be lost. You may also be issued a contempt of court notice for smiling. Why did Information Minister Atta Tarar visit in a helicopter?
Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala said that the Information Minister visited the Cantonment Board, which is not under our jurisdiction. The Chief Election Commissioner said that you should go and study the law and come back. The Special Secretary said that violation of the code of conduct can lead to punishment of up to two years.
The Chief Election Commissioner said that the Election Commission has compiled a fact-finding report. The DRO, DMO and RO should submit a written response to the fact-finding report. Where is the Information Minister who was summoned in a personal capacity? Atta Tarar’s lawyer Sajil Swati replied that the Information Minister is on an official foreign visit.
The Chief Election Commissioner remarked that the Information Minister has only to do media coverage during the visit and what to do, all the parties should appear in person at the next hearing.
The Election Commission also summoned the CPO Gujranwala, the Election Commission adjourned the hearing till December 1.