Parties to go ahead with NA-120 campaigning despite ECP's warning

Published
3

The three contenders of the NA-120 by-polls will continue campaigning on Thursday despite the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) warning that any rallies held within the constituency will be considered a violation of the code of conduct.

In a letter to the government of Punjab, the ECP directed authorities to ensure that no political conventions or processions are held in the constituency on September 14 ─ three days ahead of the by-poll.

Letters were also sent to the Punjab chief secretary and the inspector general of police, asking them to ensure the implementation of the code of conduct in the constituency, a press release from the ECP announced.

According to the press release, "any convention and procession within the constituency will be in violation of the ECP's code of conduct."

Despite ECP's notice, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), PML-N and PPP are set to hold conventions, corner meetings and rallies in the constituency today.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan is expected to lead a rally from Charing Cross to Data Darbar. The route of the “Karo Faisla Tabdeeli Ka” rally falls within the said constituency.

However, in a statement, the PTI has said that the purpose of the rally is for the PTI chief to offer his respects at Data Darbar. The PTI announced that "it will abide by the ECP's code of conduct."

The PTI's statement further added that the ECP's letter has nothing to do with the PTI chief's programme, adding that Khan will carry out his political activities outside the NA-120 constituency.

The PPP, too, has announced a rally from Tample Road to Mazang, which will be attended by several prominent PPP leaders, including Qamar Zaman Qaira, Nayyar Bukhari, Nadeem Afzal Chan.

The PPP's candidate Faisal Mir, while talking to Dawn.com, rejected the ECP order, adding that the party will proceed with its scheduled rallies. "Resistance will be offered if the rally is intercepted," Mir said.

The PML-N also plans to hold a women convention at Aiwan-i-Iqbal, near Mall Road, besides holding corner meetings in the constituency. Maryam Nawaz is set to address the corner meetings and the convention.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...