PHC clears way for ECP action against KP chief minister

The Peshawar High Court on Wednesday dismissed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi's petition against Election Commission of Pakistan proceedings, allowing the ECP to decide a case over alleged threats to election officials and code of conduct violations.

What did the Peshawar High Court decide on Sohail Afridi's petition?

A divisional bench announced its reserved verdict, rejected Afridi's plea and lifted the interim protection that had barred the ECP from issuing a final order against him. The ruling means the commission can now proceed with the case and conclude it.

Why did the ECP take action against Sohail Afridi?

The case stems from remarks Afridi made at a Nov. 19, 2025, rally in Havelian ahead of the Nov. 23 by-election for National Assembly constituency NA-18 Haripur. The seat fell vacant after former lawmaker Omar Ayub Khan was disqualified. The ECP said the remarks threatened or intimidated the district administration, police and election staff.

The commission issued a notice to Afridi on Nov. 20 and summoned him for a hearing on Nov. 21 over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct. Afridi then approached the Peshawar High Court, asking it to declare the proceedings unlawful. His petition challenged the legal basis of the action and the commission's jurisdiction to proceed against him.

What did both sides argue in the Peshawar High Court?

ECP counsel told the court the commission has constitutional authority to ensure transparent elections and prevent unlawful practices. The proceedings followed a citizen's complaint, which led to an inquiry and notices to the chief minister.

Afridi's lawyer argued that the ECP initiated action before receiving the complaint and was investigating allegations of its own making. The defense also challenged the legal basis for the proceedings. Justice Arshad Ali questioned the basis of the petition and asked whether Afridi wanted the ECP to decide the matter without hearing him.

The court had earlier allowed the ECP to continue its proceedings but barred it from issuing any final order adverse to Afridi until further orders. That stay had effectively prevented the commission from concluding the case. After hearing both sides, the court reserved its verdict and later dismissed the petition.