KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a show-cause notice to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for violating the code of conduct framed for upcoming general elections and has been directed to submit his reply by July 5.
The show-cause notice has been issued by South Karachi Deputy Commissioner Syed Salahuddin Ahmed.
The notice stated that according to the code of conduct for General Elections 2018, the political parties and candidates are required to convey their schedule of public rallies/procession/public jalsas at least three days in advance after which the district/local administration shall be responsible for making appropriate security arrangements and regulating such public rallies/procession/public jalsa.
The notice stated that Bilawal visited Lyari on July 1 without acquiring a prior NoC/permission from deputy commissioner which was in violation of the code of conduct. The rally encountered unanticipated resistance from locals at Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Road point and resultantly, a law and order situation arose causing disruption in public peace.
The notice added that repetition of such violation may lead to a heavy fine, followed by a recommendation to district returning officer for disqualification of his candidature to contest the elections.
