ECP issues notice to Attaullah Tarar over NA-77 by-election campaign
The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued a notice to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar for an alleged code of conduct violation in the NA-77 Gujranwala by-election. He has been summoned for 11am on November 8.
- ECP issued notice to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday
- Tarar summoned at 11am on November 8
- PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Warraich also served a notice
- NA-77 result may be withheld until a final decision
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday issued a notice to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar for allegedly violating the code of conduct during the by-election in NA-77 Gujranwala. The notice was issued by the district monitoring officer after Tarar took part in the campaign of PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Warraich.
According to media reports, Tarar toured the constituency by helicopter and attended a gathering. The notice said participation by federal ministers in election campaigns violates paragraphs 18 and 41 of the ECP code of conduct. It also cited Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017, which concerns participation in campaigns during the prohibited period.
Tarar has been summoned to appear before the district monitoring officer at 11am on November 8. He has also been directed to appear before the commission in a personal capacity. The commission sought reports from the district monitoring officer and the district returning officer. Daily Jang reported that action would be taken on the available record if he does not appear.
The ECP's notice said: "The constituency's result may be withheld until a final decision is made in the matter." Daily Times reported that the development comes ahead of Sunday's by-election in NA-77.
The commission also issued a notice to Warraich for inviting Tarar to the constituency for his campaign. Warraich must appear before the district monitoring officer at 11am on November 8 and submit an explanation. He was warned that one-sided proceedings would be initiated if he fails to appear.
By-elections will be held in NA-77 (Gujranwala-I) and PP-203 (Sahiwal-VI). NA-77 fell vacant after the death of five-time MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk on September 11 following a prolonged illness. PP-203 fell vacant after the death of PML-N MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jutt on September 17, reportedly from cardiac arrest.
Hanif Jutt had won PP-203 in a by-election in November 2025, after the original winner was disqualified following conviction by an Anti-Terrorism Court. PML-N candidate Muhammad Asad Hanif Jutt is among the contenders for the seat.
Why it matters for Pakistan
Voters in NA-77 Gujranwala are directly affected by how the by-election is conducted. The notice raises the possibility that the constituency's result may be withheld until the commission decides the matter, which would delay who represents them in the National Assembly.
