ECP issues notice to Punjab Assembly deputy speaker over alleged misuse of office

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a formal notice to Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar

ISLAMABAD: 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, who alleged that the Deputy Speaker participated in election campaign activities and misused his official position in the constituency.

According to the official notice reviewed by *Minute Mirror*, the complainant has raised allegations concerning the use of public office and government resources to allegedly provide an undue advantage to a candidate contesting the NA-168 by-election.

The complaint reportedly alleges that Channar took part in campaign-related activities despite holding a public office. It further raises questions over the alleged use of government machinery and state resources during the election period.

Taking notice of the complaint, the District Monitoring Officer has sought a comprehensive explanation and factual report from the Deputy Speaker regarding the allegations. The notice requires the concerned official to clarify his position and provide relevant information regarding the circumstances mentioned in the complaint.

### Legal provisions cited

The ECP 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.

The Code of Conduct requires public office holders to maintain neutrality during the electoral process and prohibits the use of official positions, government machinery and state resources for providing an electoral advantage to any candidate.

The restrictions are intended to ensure a level playing field for all contestants and prevent government influence from affecting the electoral process.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the restrictions apply to public office holders, including members of the government and other senior officials. They are required to avoid activities that could be interpreted as influencing voters or benefiting a particular candidate in a constituency where an election is being held.

Explanation sought from deputy speaker

The DMO has asked Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar to respond to the allegations and provide his version of events. The notice is part of the monitoring process through which the ECP examines alleged violations of its electoral rules and Code of Conduct.

The issuance of the notice does not by itself establish that a violation has occurred. The allegations will be assessed on the basis of the explanation and available evidence.

If the ECP finds the response unsatisfactory and 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 that state institutions and public office holders remain neutral throughout the electoral process.

Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, who is associated with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)and is considered an influential political figure in Bahawalpur, had not issued a formal response to the allegations at the time of publication.

The ECP’s proceedings will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and whether any further action is warranted under the applicable electoral laws and regulations.