ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday stopped Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) chief Imran Khan from addressing rallies and public gatherings in the areas falling under National Assembly constituency NA-63 Jhelum (ii).

“Your attention is invited to the code of conduct and directives issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan which clearly bars visits of sitting members of national and provincial assemblies' where election schedule has been announced,” the ECP told PTI chief in a letter.

The ECP had announced to hold by-elections in NA-63 Jhelum (ii) on August 31.

The seat was vacated after the death of MNA Nawabzada Iqbal Mehdi of PML-N.

The letter written by Jhelum District Election Commissioner Khursheed Alam to PTI chief stated, “As per reports, you are going to address several rallies on August 24 in Khewra, Dharyala Jalap, Pinawai, Jalalpur Sharif of Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan along with several other members of national assembly and provincial assemblies.”

Prime minister, chief ministers, federal ministers, advisors to the prime minister and the president, members of the national assembly or provincial assembly or any person on their behalf shall not visit the ‘constituency’ or a polling station after the issuance of schedule of bye-election till completion of the polls, says the directives issued by the ECP.

“The ECP can proceed against you under Constitution's Article-204 and Section-78 of the Representation of Peoples Act in case you do not abide the code of conduct,” the ECP warned Khan, while directing him to abide by the code of conduct and refrain from the visits.

On Monday, the ECP issued a show cause notice to Hamza Shahbaz Sharif for campaigning in by-election of National Assembly constituency NA-63 Jhelum, declaring his visit to the area as 'violation' of code of conduct.

Hamza has been asked to submit a written reply.