CM Afridi Clarifies Remarks on By-Poll After ECP Requests Army Deployment

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has issued a clarification regarding his remarks on the NA-18 by-poll, following the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) request for army deployment. The ECP sought the deployment of army and civil armed forces for the by-polls, citing CM Afridi’s “threats” and use of “provocative language” against public officials.

The KP chief minister claimed that his remarks during a political gathering speech at Chamba on Wednesday had been “taken out of context”. He stated that he was not campaigning for anybody and only said that there should be no rigging in the by-poll.

• CM Afridi’s clarification came after the ECP drew attention to his recent speech, alleging that he “clearly threatened” district administration, police officers, and ECP officials engaged with the by-elections.
• The ECP requested the deployment of army and civil armed forces for the by-polls, citing CM Afridi’s use of “provocative language” against public officials.
• CM Afridi pointed out that authorities had repeatedly refused to allow him to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, despite his requests to the federal government and the provincial government of Punjab.
• The PTI leader claimed that Imran Khan’s sisters were also manhandled and injured by the authorities.

ECP Concerns Over CM Afridi’s Speech

The electoral body’s concerns are linked with CM Afridi’s speech at Chamba, near Havelian, in relation to the upcoming by-election for which the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has fielded a candidate. The ECP alleged that CM Afridi “clearly threatened” district administration, police officers, and ECP officials engaged with the by-elections.

CM Afridi’s Response to ECP Allegations

CM Afridi said that his remarks had been “taken out of context” and that he was not campaigning for anybody. He stated that “I said yesterday that there should be no rigging” and that he was only emphasizing the importance of a fair election process.

Army Deployment Request

The ECP’s request for army deployment is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of public officials and voters during the by-poll. The electoral body has expressed concerns that CM Afridi’s remarks may prevent officials from performing their duties effectively. For more information, visit Watan News for the latest updates on the NA-18 by-poll.