ECP Fines JI Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman for Election Code Violation

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has imposed a fine on Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman for violating the election code of conduct, according to a report by ARY News. Hafiz Naeem, who is also the UC Chairman of North Nazimabad’s UC No.08, was summoned by the district monitoring officer Muhammad Saleem Abbasi. Abbasi had asked him to appear or submit a response through his counsel on November 6, following his participation in a public event that allegedly breached electoral guidelines.

In his response, Hafiz Naeem failed to convince the ECP that his participation in the “Bano Qabil” event in Karachi’s Gulberg Town, held ahead of a local government by-election, was compliant with the code of conduct. The ECP has directed Hafiz Naeem, along with Gulberg Town Chairman Nusratullah and UC Chairman Farooq Naimatullah, to each pay a fine of Rs 10,000.

The district monitoring officer’s notice specifically banned large gatherings and events in Gulberg Town before the by-election. The “Bano Qabil” event, held on November 1, reportedly breached this ban, leading to the issuance of fines.

In preparation for the upcoming by-elections, the ECP has finalized plans to establish three-tier Election Monitoring and Control Centres (EMCC) to oversee elections across 26 districts in Sindh, scheduled for November 14. The by-elections will be held in districts including Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Larkana, Kambar Shahdadkot, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Thatta, and multiple areas in Karachi, including Malir, Korangi, West, South, Central, and Kemari.

The EMCCs will be set up at the provincial, divisional, and district levels to handle public complaints and address issues faced by candidates and the general public. According to ECP officials, the centers will be activated 24 hours before the by-elections and will remain operational until the final results are declared.