The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a notice on Saturday to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar for an alleged violation of the code of conduct during the by-election in NA-77 Gujranwala. According to a press release from the office of the Punjab Provincial Election Commissioner, the district monitoring officer issued the notice after Tarar participated in the election campaign of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Rashid Bashir Warraich (also identified as Rashid Basheer Virk).
The press release stated that the ECP took notice of an "alleged violation of the code of conduct" by the federal minister, noting that media reports indicated Tarar toured the constituency by helicopter and attended a gathering. The notice specified that the participation of federal ministers in election campaigns violates paragraphs 18 and 41 of the ECP's code of conduct. It also cited Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017, which pertains to participation in election campaigns during the prohibited period.
Tarar has been summoned to appear before the district monitoring officer at 11am on November 8 to explain his position. The commission has sought a report from the district monitoring officer and the district returning officer to investigate the matter. The federal minister has been directed to appear before the commission in a personal capacity. The ECP stated that the constituency’s result may be withheld until a final decision is made.
The ECP also issued a notice to PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Warraich (Rashid Basheer Virk) for allegedly violating the code of conduct. Warraich has been accused of violating the code of conduct by inviting Tarar to the constituency to participate in his election campaign. Warraich has been directed to appear before the district monitoring officer at 11am on November 8 and submit an explanation. The notice warned that one-sided proceedings would be initiated if he failed to appear and that compliance with the code of conduct would be ensured at all costs during the by-election.






