The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday has directed the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to issue a notice to federal ministers those who allegedly influencing the forthcoming general elections. A five-member bench of the ECP, headed by the Chief Election Commissioner, heard the case related to the influence of federal ministers on the general elections. The Additional Advocate General appeared before the bench and said that the ECP had not given notice to the relevant parties. The ECP adjourned the next hearing of the case till Tuesday and directed the Caretaker Prime Minister to issue a notice to all federal ministers on the matter.

 The ECP's directive comes after several reports of federal ministers using their official positions to influence the general elections. In recent weeks, there have been reports of federal ministers inaugurating development projects, announcing new schemes, and transferring government officials in their constituencies in the lead-up to the elections. The ECP has warned that it will take strict action against any federal minister found to be influencing the general elections. The commission has also directed the Caretaker Prime Minister to ensure that all federal ministers comply with the ECP's code of conduct for elections.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)