Islamabad, November 21, 2025: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday granted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi an exemption from personal attendance during a hearing related to allegations that he threatened government employees during the ongoing election campaign.
A four-member bench headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) took up the case involving Afridi and Shehrnaz Bano, who were both summoned over claims of intimidation and violations of the Election Code of Conduct. Neither appeared in person.
Afridi’s counsel, Ali Bukhari, told the bench that the chief minister was occupied with an official meeting and sought exemption from physical appearance.
“I have only spoken to the Chief Minister over the phone and have not yet met him in person,” Bukhari added.
The bench noted that the notices had been issued to both individuals in their personal capacities. During the proceedings, commission members expressed concern over remarks made in court, prompting Bukhari to object and request that the CEC guide the members on appropriate protocol.
The case stems from allegations that Afridi issued threats to government employees during the election process — an act that, if proven, would violate the Election Code of Conduct, which bars public office holders from influencing electoral staff, coercing voters, or participating in campaigns in any form.
The ECP secretary informed the bench that Shehrnaz Bano — spouse of NA-18 Haripur candidate Omar Ayub — was also implicated in the alleged violation.
The hearing remains underway as the commission evaluates the allegations and considers their potential impact on the integrity of the electoral process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
