ECP Calls for Army Deployment After KP CM’s “Threatening” Remarks Ahead of NA-18 By-Polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces for the NA-18 Haripur by-elections, following what it described as “threatening” and “provocative” language used by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The by-polls are scheduled for November 23.

In official letters sent to the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior, the ECP pointed to CM Afridi’s recent speech in Havelian, where he allegedly threatened district administration officials, police officers, and ECP staff involved in election duties. According to the commission, the chief minister’s remarks amounted to harassment and could influence officials’ ability to perform their responsibilities independently.

The controversy stems from CM Afridi’s address in Chamba near Havelian, where he campaigned for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Shehrnaz Khan, the wife of former opposition leader Omar Ayub. He accused certain political actors in Haripur of “changing their votes” ahead of the by-election and warned the local administration and law-enforcement agencies against any attempt to manipulate the results.

CM Afridi also claimed that democratic norms were being undermined and urged voters to support PTI. He warned that any attempt to tamper with the people’s mandate would “create a serious situation.” Without giving details, he said the situation had left “only one option,” hinting at a potential strong reaction if the party suspected rigging.

The ECP believes such statements could disrupt the fairness and transparency of the by-election and has therefore asked for military support to maintain law and order during polling.