ECP includes social media to its code of conduct

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday included social media to its code of conduct, banning broadcasting and publishing of negative content about state institutions.

The ECP expanded the sphere of the electoral code of conduct to prevent undermining voters' opinion. Negative propaganda against the judiciary, state institutions, sovereignty and the ideology of Pakistan will be prohibited.

According to the new directions, broadcasting any negative content about the character, religion, ethnicity, or caste and creed of candidates will be prohibited. Journalists and their organizations will be provided full security.

Besides, no candidate or political party will be allowed to run election campaign at the cost of national exchequer.

In a separate development,  the ECP summoned the asset details of Interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar.

According to details, the ECP ordered the Chief Ministers and Caretaker Cabinet to give details of their assets.

In accordance with the letter's assertion, the provincial assemblies have been disbanded and it is now up to ECP to conduct free, transparent, and fair elections.

The interim government should make sure to support the ECP in holding an election that is transparent and ensuring that all political parties have a level playing field.

The commission also prohibited any postings and appointments made by the interim government in the absence of an ECP decision.

Furthermore, the federal and provincial institutions are not allowed to post jobs or make appointments.

Earlier yesterday, Anwar-ul-Haq took the oath under the leadership of President Dr. Arif Alvi.

Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the new caretaker prime minister for taking up the responsibilities.

He is the eighth caretaker prime minister of Pakistan.