Election Commission hears code-of-conduct case against Information Minister Tarar

The Election Commission of Pakistan heard a code-of-conduct violation case concerning the Gujranwala by-election, NA-77. A three-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja conducted the hearing.

Special Secretary Zafar Iqbal argued that Information Minister Attaullah Tarar violated the code by visiting the constituency, and said he could face two years' imprisonment. According to Daily Pakistan, the special secretary said the minister travelled to the constituency by helicopter during the campaign and addressed a public gathering.

Election Commission Secretary Omar Hameed said the PML-N candidate had filed an application with the District Returning Officer, while Mr Tarar and Farooq Tarar visited the constituency. PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Warraich attended the hearing.

Lawyer Sujeel Swati, appearing for Mr Tarar, said the minister was abroad on an official foreign visit. He also said: "These are serious allegations, the commission is greatly respected," according to Daily Jang.

The Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala told the bench that the minister had visited a cantonment board, which is not under his authority. The Chief Election Commissioner said a fact-finding report had been prepared, and the DRO, DMO and RO were directed to submit written replies to it. He also summoned the CPO Gujranwala.

The Chief Election Commissioner said the commission can issue orders to the prime minister and the government, but the government cannot give instructions to the commission. Daily Jang reported that he called the federal government's order on teachers' election duties in Islamabad local government elections an attempt to sabotage them, and said those elections will be held in Islamabad.

Daily Jang also reported that he warned Asma Naz, a provincial assembly member, that her seat could be lost and a contempt notice issued over her smiling during the hearing. The commission adjourned the case until 1 December.