ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a notice to Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar over an alleged violation of the electoral code of conduct ahead of the NA-77 Gujranwala by-election, scheduled for November 8, 2026.
The commission has directed the federal minister to appear before the district election authorities at 11 a.m. on Sunday to explain his participation in election campaign activities.
According to reports, the controversy emerged after Attaullah Tarar allegedly visited NA-77 Gujranwala by helicopter and attended a political gathering during the election campaign.
The ECP stated that the federal minister’s participation in campaigning for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate potentially violated paragraphs 18 and 41 of the electoral code of conduct.
The commission also cited Section 182 of the Elections Act, 2017, concerning restrictions on campaigning during the designated election silence period.
Authorities have warned that if the minister fails to appear, further proceedings may be decided on the available record.
The ECP has reportedly sought information from the District Monitoring Officer (DMO) and District Returning Officer (DRO) regarding the alleged violation.
According to the initial report, the commission could consider withholding the constituency’s election result pending a final decision on the matter.
However, no final determination of wrongdoing has been announced, and the allegations remain subject to examination by election authorities.
The NA-77 Gujranwala-I by-election will take place on Sunday, November 8, with 11 candidates contesting the National Assembly seat.
Prominent contenders include PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Virk, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League’s Qazi Ibrahim Gujjar and Pakistan Nazriyati Party’s Tayyab Mahmood, alongside independent candidates.
The constituency has 518,620 registered voters, including 277,480 men and 241,140 women, according to electoral figures.
Election Commission Warns Against Campaigning After Deadline
The ECP previously directed political parties and candidates in NA-77 Gujranwala-I and PP-203 Sahiwal-VI to conclude campaigning by midnight between November 6 and 7.
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Under Section 182 of the Elections Act, 2017, violations of the campaign restrictions may result in imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs100,000, or both.
With polling approaching, the latest development has drawn attention to the enforcement of election regulations and the importance of ensuring a transparent electoral process.
