The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday imposed a fine of PKR 50,000 (roughly $270) on Prime Minister Imran Khan for violating the poll code when he addressed a rally in a poll-bound district in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The action from the top election body came days after Khan failed to respond to two notices that the former had issued to the latter in the last few days. On March 16, Khan had addressed a rally in Swat of the KP province, despite a clear directive from the ECP barring him from the rally.

The actions came as the region has been witnessing local body elections and the new rules bar any officials holding public office from visiting the areas visit where elections are/about to being/be held, reported Express Tribune.

Political leaders, including those from opposition parties, are holding massive rallies across the country as the Imran Khan government faces the prospect of losing its majority in the face of a no-confidence motion in Parliament.

Taking cognizance of Khan’s rally in Swat, the top election body has issued two notices to the prime minister to which he failed to respond. In a separate notice, issued by local officials, Imran Khan was accused of using state resources for the rally in the poll-bound district.

The Election Commission of Pakistan is an autonomous, constitutionally established federal body responsible for organizing and conducting elections to the national parliament, provincial legislatures, local governments, as well as the office of the President of Pakistan,  

 (SAM)